Tricia Ryan

Director Public Programs

Tricia is a passionate advocate for performing arts education and has extensive experience designing and delivering performance-based workshops and programs for children and young people.

She is a graduate of the Actors Centre Australia’s leading full-time professional course, The Journey, has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from the University of Adelaide and a Graduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development–Community Based Arts Practice.

Over the past 15 years, Tricia has worked as a teaching artist for children and young people in a variety of youth and community arts organisations, including Shopfront Theatre for Young People (AU), The Song Room (AU) and Southern Youth Theatre Ensemble (AU).

Tricia was the Course Manager for Children and Young People at NIDA Open for nearly four years. Drawing on her own professional experience in screen, stage and radio performance, her speciality is crafting and delivering engaging and playful courses that develop skills and build confidence in children of all ages. In 2014 Tricia was awarded the NIDA Work Health and Safety Award for her work in developing NIDA as an environment that is inclusive, encouraging and safe for all children and young people across Australia.

In addition to teaching and performing, Tricia has worked as a producer, program coordinator and arts manager with a number of small, medium and major arts organisations, including Adelaide Fringe and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

She commenced her role as the Head of NIDA Open in March 2016.