This immersive course enables talented, early career practitioners to master the directing process. It places strong emphasis on the collaborative role of a director by focusing on methods of communication with actors, designers, stage managers, playwrights and other creative team members.

Throughout the course students engage with leading industry tutors and companies, both nationally and internationally. Through multiple live theatre and screen projects, the course challenges students to create and express their own artistic vision and connect with contemporary audiences. Subjects include Directing Techniques, Directing Practice, Scenography, Dramaturgy, Contextualising Practice, Generating Research through Practice. The course culminates in the direction of a short play, or film, in a season at NIDA.

Applicants should note that the course may involve some interstate travel and will include an international learning experience with the airfare and a capped contribution to expenses provided by NIDA. Previous field trips and learning experiences include visits to leading theatre companies, Adelaide Festival, Perth Festival, Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts Brisbane, Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and Theatertreffen Festival Berlin.

Course structure

The duration of the MFA course is 15 months and comprises seven subjects with a total 180 credit points, with a lead subject (60 credit points) which is the focal point.

Students will need to be resident in Sydney and available on a full time basis from late January to early December of the first year. In the final three months (January to March of the following year), students complete their research project and write up the results as a journal article. It is normally not essential that students be resident in Sydney during the final three months of the course.

Applicants should note that the course may involve interstate travel, and will include an international field trip

Potential careers

Theatre director
Film director
TV director
Performance director
Event director