NIDA Open is pleased to announce that three graduates of the National Institute of Dramatic Art will lead the grade 11�12 courses for its inaugural Scholarship programs in Adelaide, Newcastle and Perth.
Photo: NIDA graduate Michael McCall will lead training in Perth
NIDA Open is pleased to announce that three graduates of the National Institute of Dramatic Art will lead the grade 11�12 courses for its inaugural Scholarship programs in Adelaide, Newcastle and Perth.
Select scholarships are being offered in the three Australian cities as part of NIDA’s drive to increase access and participation in the arts.
Recipients will immerse themselves in NIDA Open’s Spring Holiday workshop program, which offers introductory through to advanced courses for children and young people during the school holidays.
Kellie Mackereth (Directing, 2006), whose career includes directing productions for Sydney-based theatre companies Belvoir and Griffin Independent, will return to her home city of Adelaide to deliver training at Christian Brother’s College.
Michael McCall (Acting, 2001), who has directed short films such as the award-winning Hidden Clouds (2009) and is in the final stages of a PhD in Performing Arts at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), will head up the training at Perth’s Subiaco Arts Centre.
Anna Houston (Acting, 2004), who’s performed prolifically in productions for Bell Shakespeare and B Sharp � and has been awarded no fewer than three different Fellowships to pursue her work � will lead sessions at Newcastle Grammar School.
‘Having such established artists lead the Scholarship program is important to our work here at NIDA Open. We’re able to bring the expertise that graces stages and theatres across the nation � and worldwide � into the community to benefit future generations of artists,’ commented Head of NIDA Open, Tricia Ryan.
‘Kellie, Michael and Anna are all shining examples of professionalism, passion and talent, and we are delighted to have them at the forefront of our inaugural Scholarship program.’
Scholarship places are available for students in grades 7�12 (8�12 for Adelaide) with a current interest in the performing arts, as well as those who want to explore new opportunities and get involved in the industry for the first time.
‘Supporting young and emerging talent is important if we want to grow robust cultural and creative communities that we can all be a part of,’ commented Mackereth.
‘As someone who came from a background where acting was not on the radar until my late teens, I know that I would be absolutely thrilled to partake in the program if I had had the chance. The earlier these opportunities come around, the more prepared and skilful the students will be for the future,’ added McCall.
To apply students simply have to go to open.nida.edu.au/2017-scholarships, submit a personal statement about how they would benefit from the scholarship opportunity, and provide two short letters of support from community leaders, such as teachers, elders or local artists.
