Alumni Archives – Page 2 of 7 – The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

The Making of ALL BOYS with Mehhma Malhi and Xavier Hazard

6 September 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

The cast of ALL BOYS crowd around a camera so only their faces are visible, in the background 'ALL BOYS' is written in brown lettering.

NIDA alumni Mehhma Malhi and Xavier Hazard have forged a powerful creative partnership since their time at NIDA. Together,

2024 APDG Awards NIDA Alumni

2 September 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

2024 APDG Awards written over an image from the NIDA production of 'Sandime Richard'. Two actors are hunched over a third who lays on the ground which is covered in sand. The background is an interpretation of painted trees in a Japanese style and animals in plastic bags are scattered over the stage.

The 2024 APDG Awards were held at the State Library in Brisbane on Saturday 24 August, celebrating the creativity and excellence of Australian designers working in visual media and entertainment.

Where to Watch NIDA Alumni in September 2024

30 August 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

Left to right: Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990), Sherry-Lee Watson, Will McDonald and Noah Taylor in the Stan original series 'Thou Shalt Not Steal'. The cast stands on a long road in the Australian outback looking dishevelled.

Find out where to watch NIDA alumni this September.

From NIDA to National Tours, Tana Laga’aia’s Journey in Musical Theatre

29 August 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

Tana Laga'aia as Benny in the Australian tour of 'Rent'. Photo by Wendell Teodoro.

Tana Laga’aia (Musical Theatre, 2023) is a recent NIDA graduate who has quickly established himself in the Australian musical theatre scene, landing the role of Peter in the 50th-anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

NIDA Alumni Illuminate Modern Adaptation of 1940’s Thriller Gaslight

9 August 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

Production Image from Gaslight directed by Lee Lewis OAM (MFA Directing 2003) and starring Toby Schmitz (Acting 1999). Brett Boardman.

This modern adaptation of the 1940’s thriller, ‘Gaslight’ is a suspenseful masterpiece.

Meet Pat Mandziy, NIDA Alum and Comedy Wizard

30 July 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

NIDA alum, Pat Mandziy (Acting, 2020), is an accomplished actor and social media sensation with over 900k followers across TikTok and Instagram.

Where to Watch NIDA Alumni in August 2024

26 July 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

The gripping production of Gaslight is making its way to the Roslyn Packer Theatre, showing from 21 August – 8 September. Directed by Lee Lewis (Directing, 2003), the play follows Bella Manningham, whose reality is called into question by her partner, Jack; is it madness or manipulation? Renee Mulder (Design, 2008) enhances the suspense with her scenic and costume design while on stage, Kate Fitzpatrick (Acting, 1967) and Toby Schmitz (Acting, 1999) have been cast in pivotal roles. Keeping the production running is Stage Manager, Rebecca Poulter (Production, 2009), Head of Lighting, Isabella Thompson (Technical Theatre, 2022) and Executive Producer, Ben Finn (Cultural Leadership, 2023). Julian Curtis (Acting, 2008) also supports this production as a standby. At the Sydney Opera House, the vibrant production of In the Heights will run from 20 July to 25 August. This award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, brings to life the joyful story of a tight-knit Washington Heights community, featuring contemporary beats and salsa. Among the talented cast and crew are a handful of NIDA alumni lending their expertise, including, Jessie Byrne (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2019) as Rehearsal Stage Manager, Keerthi Subramanyam (Design, 2019) as Costume Designer, Alex Duffy (Production, 2011) as Production Stage Manager, and Lillian Lee (Live Production and Technical Services, 2019) as Stage Manager. Adding to the lively performance, Tamara Foglia Castaneda (Acting, 2022) shines in her role as Carla. Get ready to welcome Uncle Vanya to the Ensemble Theatre from 26 July – 31 August. This contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s classic features the talents of several NIDA alumni. Yalin Ozucelik (Acting, 2007) will star as Vanya, while the creative vision of Nick Fry (Design, 2018) will shape the play’s atmospheric set and costume design. Nick Curnow (Voice, 2019) lends his expertise to the production’s vocal performance, and the seamless execution of the play’s intricate technical aspects can be attributed to the contributions of Stage Manager, Lauren Tulloh (Production, 2009) and Costume Supervisor, Renata Beslick (Production Crafts, 2007). In cinema, catch the highly anticipated release of Borderlands, starring Cate Blanchett (Acting, 1992) as Lilith. Based on the best-selling video game, this all-star, action-packed adventure film follows a ragtag team on a daring mission to save a missing girl with unimaginable power. Don’t miss the chance to see Cate in this thrilling new role! From 9 – 11 August, the Byron Writers Festival returns with an impressive lineup of Australian and international storytellers. Among the esteemed guests are NIDA alumni who have made significant impacts in their fields. Laurence Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller (Playwriting, 2000) will be sharing insights into her acclaimed work Prima Facie, and the craft of storytelling. Also speaking at this event is Julian Louis (Directing, 2005), the Artistic Director and CEO of Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), a not-for-profit theatre company that tells original Australian stories inspired by the land, people and culture of the Northern Rivers. This festival is a vibrant celebration of literature, creativity, and the power of stories, providing a unique opportunity to engage with these distinguished NIDA alumni and other literary luminaries. The 67th Annual TV Week Logie Awards ceremony is scheduled for 18 August on Channel 7. NIDA is excited to see so many talented alumni nominated for awards including; Anna Torv (Acting, 2001), Hugo Weaving (Acting, 1981), Kate Box (Acting, 2003), Mabel Li (Acting, 2019), Rob Collins (Acting, 2013), Ryan Corr (Acting, 2009), and Sophie Wilde (Acting, 2019).

August is shaping up to be another stellar month for NIDA alumni in entertainment!

Empowered by Scholarship: Ari Gilbert’s Journey from NIDA to Builders Anonymous

19 July 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

Join NIDA graduand Ari Gilbert as they share their exciting journey in prop-making, supported by the Erin and Billy Ostadal Memorial Scholarship, and their enriching experience at Builders Anonymous in Toronto.

Eryn Douglas: Mastering the Art of Set Construction at NIDA and Beyond

11 July 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

Eryn Douglas with her third-year major work, a Dalek from the tv series 'Doctor Who'.

NIDA alum and current Left Mechanist for the hit show &Juliet, Eryn Douglas’ story is a testament to the transformative education and hands-on experiences provided by NIDA.

Kurtis Laing on Uniting NIDA Alumni for Tick, Tick… Boom!

9 August 20245 July 2024 by Lindsey Rubin

As the creative director of Good Time Theatrics, Kurtis Laing has become a transformative force in Sydney’s independent theatre scene.

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