The NIDA Community mourns the loss of Kevin Jackson, who died today after a long illness.
Kevin had a long and extraordinarily influential history with NIDA. He was one of NIDA’s great teachers.
Kevin graduated from the NIDA acting course in 1971, taught by (amongst others) another great acting teacher, Alexander Hay. He then pursued a professional career as an actor and director, becoming a member of the Old Tote Theatre Company from 1973-1974 and helping to set up the Q Theatre in Penrith with Doreen Warburton and a group of friends. His periodic teaching at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco over many years informed his teaching at NIDA for the great benefit of the Australian acting profession.
Kevin taught at NIDA in various capacities from 1984 until 2011, including as Head of Acting in the mid-1980s. In those wonderful 27 years of service, he taught and inspired hundreds of students who went on to be leaders in the industry.
Since retiring from NIDA in 2011, Kevin continued teaching at a host of other organisations. His blog, KEVIN JACKSON’S THEATRE DIARY, which he kept assiduously from 2008 right up until his passing, remains one of our most incisive chronicles of theatre and performance. Kevin’s passing is deeply felt.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes paid tribute to Kevin:
“Kevin’s contribution to Australian acting is immeasurable. During his almost three decades teaching at NIDA, he was known for a fierce intelligence and phenomenal knowledge of theatre and performance together with a generous, sensitive, and nurturing soul. Uncompromising. Devoted. It was clear he wanted the best from people. He made a difference.
“The NIDA community mourns the loss of one of our great teachers and celebrates Kevin’s life and profound contribution to our national storytelling.”
Liz Hughes, CEO
A commemoration for the late Kevin Jackson will be at time to be advised.
