After careful consideration, NIDA made the difficult decision to suspend our Children’s Program (Grades K–6) from the end of Term 4, December 2025. This is due to significant logistical challenges created by a major UNSW/Iglu building development next to our Kensington campus. The works have reduced our available space and resources and have required us to make changes to staffing and operations.

The program is suspended for the foreseeable future. If circumstances change, we will update families through our website and mailing list.

Yes. Students in Grade 6 are eligible to enrol in our Grades 7–10 Youth Short Courses from Summer 2025 onward.

If you hold credit for a Grade K–5 course, it will be automatically refunded to the card you originally used to make the purchase.

If your original payment method has changed or expired, our team will contact you directly with next steps.

Yes, all other NIDA Open programs will continue as normal, including:

• Youth Short Courses (Grades 7–12)
Offered during terms and school holidays at Kensington, Chatswood, The Guild (Melbourne) and TAFE Queensland’s Southbank campus in Brisbane.

• Schools Program (Grades 3–12)
Workshops available on campus at NIDA Kensington or delivered at schools across Australia.
Schools can contact us at [email protected].

• Adult Short Courses & Studio Programs
Continuing across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Please check the NIDA Open website or subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates on future offerings.

We groups students as state education departments do, by school year level or grade. So if your child is in Grade 7 at school, they could enrol in a Grade 7-10 course. Parents of students who are home-schooled or attend international schools should contact us to discuss the best option for their child.

Students in Grades 10 and under are supervised during breaks at all times and cannot leave the venue without written parental permission. Students in courses for Grades 11 and over are not supervised at break times and are free to leave the campus should they wish. Students must inform their tutor or a member of NIDA staff if they are not planning on returning to class after a break. 

Most of our courses for Young People conclude with an Open Sessions. Open Sessions occur in the final 30 minutes of the last day of the course and provide an opportunity for family and friends to step into our classrooms to see a selection of the teaching and learning that has taken place throughout the course.

Term courses focus on a different skill set each term, providing a holistic and practice-based approach to personal creative development. Our engaging learning environment supports children and young people at every stage. Our teaching artists are professionally trained, employed in the performing arts industry and engage in regular professional development with NIDA. Parents are invited to attend a short session on the last day of delivery to observe the class work. 

There is also a Studio Program that includes performance outcomes, personalised feedback and a rigorous approach to performing arts training suitable for ages 15-18 years. 

The majority of NIDA Open courses are open to all. Actors Lab for Stage and Screen, Young Actors Lab for Stage and Screen, and Studios require an audition, interview or written application. 

NIDA arranges your enrolment and tuition. You need to make your own arrangements for travel or, if appropriate, for accommodation. Please call the office to confirm the course is going ahead before confirming your travel bookings. You will need to bring all of your food and refreshments. There is a cafe open on site. 

Wear loose, comfortable clothing for any performance related course. Clothes that restrict movement are inappropriate – no high heels, short skirts or jeans. Wear closed toe shoes that can be removed in the rehearsal room. Design and technical courses may take place in workshop areas or in theatres, and to access these areas you need to wear closed toe footwear (shoes or boots). 

Students in Grades 7-12 should bring a notepad, something to write with and/or a device or tablet to take notes. 

You will need to bring all of your food and refreshments. There is a cafe open on site. 

You can contact us one week prior to the commencement of the course to find out who is teaching. Please keep in mind that at times it is necessary for us to make staffing changes at short notice. 

Photography and digital recordings are permitted however the publishing and sharing of these images in the media, including social media, is not permitted unless written consent is provided by the parent or guardian of all students featured in the image. 

NIDA issues a Certificate of Attendance for all courses for Young People. Studio students receive a Certificate of Achievement provided the minimum attendance requirements are met. 

NIDA Open courses help you discover whether a career in the entertainment industry is right for you, what aspect of the entertainment industry suits you best, and whether NIDA full-time training is the next step to take. For details regarding the application for NIDA Higher Education, please visit the NIDA website.

Please telephone us on 1300 450 417 or email [email protected], if you would like to discuss any aspect of your course. We are committed to ensuring the highest possible standard of our customer service and training.