Overview

NIDA is searching for 16 exceptional young performing artists in grades 7-10 to join the Performance Lab course in 2026. Performance Lab is a year-long program for young artists wishing to engage in a focused, practical performing arts training program. Collaborate with NIDA experts in a variety of disciplines and skills including movement, devising and acting to create live performance. The 2026 course culminates in the presentation of an original work devised by the Performance Lab ensemble at the end of Semester 1, and a scripted work at the end of Semester 2.

All Performance Lab students engage in a personalised feedback process with their Teaching Artist at the end of each semester, providing them with the support to guide the next step in their creative education.

Course Dates and Times

Saturdays, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Semester 1, 2026: 7th February to 28th March and 2nd May to 27th June

Semester 2, 2026: 25th July to 12th September and 17th October to 5th December

Course Fees

$1170 per Semester

Audition

Sunday 11 January, 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm

Sunday 11 January, 2026 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Audition Preparation

Entry to the Performance Lab is by audition only. Audition information will be sent via a downloadable link upon enrolment.

Prerequisites

• Entry to this course is by audition only.
• This is a year-long 32 week course and you must be available to attend every session. Students can apply for attendance exemption in exceptional circumstances, applications must be made in advance to the supervising Program Manager. End of semester feedback and project participation is dependent on minimum attendance requirements.
• Course payment is Semester based and must be paid before the commencement of each Semester.

Important Information

If you are running late to collect your child, please call NIDA reception on 02 9697 7600. NIDA will only provide supervision during advertised course times.

• Please read our Terms and Conditions and Cancellation and Transfer Policy
• Flights and Accommodation: From time to time we may need to cancel an advertised course. Before booking flights and accommodation for travel to attend a NIDA Open course, please contact the NIDA Open office to confirm if your course will proceed as planned. NIDA does not accept liability for any associated costs of attendance or cancellation.
• Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in for all drama and performance related courses. Clothing that restricts movement is inappropriate.
• Please wear closed-in shoes. Shoes may be removed in the rehearsal room on the direction of the class tutor.
• Participants must provide their own lunch, including snacks and drinks.
• NIDA staff will supervise students in courses for Grades 7–10 years in their breaks. These students will not be permitted to leave the advertised venue without parental permission.