Master of Fine Arts - Application Guide 2021 Graduate Intake - National Institute of Dramatic Art
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2021
Master of
Fine Arts
Application Guide
2021 Graduate Intake
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 1
Intake
Front Cover
Flora 2019 Production
Photographer: Patrick Boland
Copyright: © NIDA 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPLICATION PROCESS ...................................................................................... 3
APPLICATION PREPARATION DETAILS
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (CULTURAL LEADERSHIP)................................................ 5
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (DESIGN FOR PERFORMANCE) ........................................ 7
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (DIRECTING) ..................................................................12
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (VOICE) .........................................................................16
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (WRITING FOR PERFORMANCE)...................................................... 17
FAQS ABOUT INTERVIEWS....................................................................................................................... 20
APPENIDX A – THEATRE PLAN ............................................................................................................... 21
APPENIDX B – THEATRE SECTION ....................................................................................................... 22
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 2
Intake
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATION PERIOD
Applications for admission to 2020 NIDA postgraduate courses are open from 6 July –
30 September, 2020. NIDA is unable to accept applications outside of this timeframe.
BEFORE APPLYING
You should read the following information carefully:
• Course information, including unit content, semester dates, fees and frequently asked
questions can be found at: https://www.nida.edu.au/courses/graduate
• The NIDA Student Handbook, Policies & Procedures and Course Regulations for your
intended course: https://www.nida.edu.au/courses/undergraduate/nida-student-policies
• Advice on how to apply for each course can be found from page 5 of this guide
If you have any further questions at this stage, please contact us at: applications@nida.edu.au
APPLYING
There are six steps to successfully apply for a NIDA course:
STEP 1
Create your application account (link to be provided from 6 July).
You will then be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.
STEP 2
Log in, select the green ‘New Application’ button and complete the online form.
STEP 3
Upload the following documentation to the online form:
• Evidence of your most recent qualification (e.g. school report, Higher School
Certificate, university transcript or testamur)
• Proof of identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate; ID must show your
date of birth)
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 3
2021 Intake
• A photograph containing only your head and shoulders (less than six
months old, in colour, well lit, plain background).
• Academic IELTS or equivalent (international applicants only)
(NIDA requires an overall band of 7.0 Academic IELTS for all Master of Fine
Arts courses)
• Any course related documents/portfolios (refer to the course information in the
following pages for more details).
STEP 4
Make payment of the AUD$75 administration fee by credit/debit card. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
Once you’ve accepted these you will not be able to amend your application.
STEP 5
Book your interview. All first-round interviews for NIDA’s 2021 intake will be taking place online, via
Zoom. You will be provided a Zoom link closer to your interview date.
STEP 6
Attend your interview, having prepared the relevant material for your course (refer to the
course information in the following pages for more details).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPLYING
• The 2021 intake administration fee is AUD$75 (including GST) per application. This is
a non-refundable fee.
• Applications for NIDA's higher education courses commencing in 2020 close on
30 September 2020. NIDA cannot accept applications after this date.
• There are a limited number of places available in each course. Selection is based on
merit; not all applicants who meet the published entry requirements will receive a
study offer.
• All applicants are required to review the course requirements and tuition fees as
stated on the NIDA website.
• It is not possible to provide applicants with individual written or oral feedback on
their audition/interview.
• Applicants who receive a study offer for 2021 must accept the offer within the timeframe
indicated. It is not possible to defer a study offer at NIDA.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 4
Intake
NB: The Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) is only available to study part time.
SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
The following should be uploaded with your application:
1. PROFESSIONAL CV
You should upload a detailed CV highlighting your education and training, professional
work and other relevant information.
2. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will need to provide proof of your university degree/s or five years of professional
experience in a relevant area. This can be a scan/photograph of your transcript or testamur
from the awarding institution.
3. PERSONAL STATEMENT
You upload a personal statement of no more than 600 words outlining your interest in the
course, new knowledge you hope to acquire, and how you see the course intersecting
with your current work/projects.
ON THE INTERVIEW DAY
Interviews are conducted by at least two NIDA staff members, by video. All applicants
will be interviewed to assess their capacity for leadership. Interviews will run for
approximately 30 minutes.
During the interview we will discuss your ideas about current issues related to the arts and
cultural sector and why you want to be a Cultural Leadership student at NIDA. There will also
be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course, or about NIDA.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 5
2021 Intake
THINGS TO NOTE NIDA recognises that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your experience will be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. The more time and effort you put into your application in advance, the better prepared you will be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion. Ensure you keep a copy of all written work, as this will not be returned. The interview process is friendly, informal and open, and is designed to give you the very best opportunity to indicate your potential and readiness to study at NIDA. However, should you have any concerns with the interview process or with what is said to you during the course of the interview, please express your concern immediately, or talk it over with a member of the interview panel before you leave. NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 6 2021 Intake
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
(DESIGN FOR PERFORMANCE)
APPLICATION PREPARATION DETAILS FOR 2021 INTAKE
SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
The following should be uploaded with your application:
1. PROFESSIONAL CV
You should upload a detailed CV highlighting your education and training,
professional work and other relevant information.
2. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will need to provide proof of your university degree/s or five years of professional
experience in a relevant area. This can be a scan/photograph of your transcript or
testamur from the awarding institution.
3. PORTFOLIO
You may upload a digital portfolio with your application; otherwise you will need to
submit it via dropbox ahead of your interview. You should prepare examples of past
work that you feel will support your application and demonstrate your suitability for a
career in design and the arts and entertainment industry. These may include (but are
not limited to) photos, life drawings, renders, illustrations, technical drawings, models,
sculptures, and paintings. The purpose of the portfolio if to provide an insight into how
you think as an artist.
PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
The following should be prepared in advance and submitted by Dropbox to be discussed at
your interview:
1. ARTIST STATEMENT (completed in Word and submitted as a PDF)
A statement describing the kind of artist you are and performance work you like to
see and take part in. Provide one example of live performance production that you
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 Intake 7have seen recently – either live or recorded (live is preferred), and describe the
elements of the set, costume and lighting and/or video design and explain the role the
design played in making meaning in performance.
(500-800 words. Include the Production name, the Producer’s name, the venue and
location, the Director’s/Choreographer’s name, the Design team’s names. Please
include 5 images where possible, and credit the photographer, name of production,
producer/s and featured artists).
2. INTERVIEW PROJECT (Collated and submitted in PowerPoint form)
Select and submit 3 contrasting images taken from a variety of sources. Write 500
words about each image and explain why you find each one interesting and what
impact they have on you. Please choose images that affect you differently, for
example: how does each image make you feel? Do any of the images jolt a memory?
What inspires you about each image?
Within each set of 500 words (a total of 1500), discuss the following in an imaginative
way; some of your descriptions may be factual, some may be fiction… tell us a story
about your image.
How does the image make you feel? Consider the subject/s, colour, context,
light, and relationships.
Consider the composition – what is in and out of frame? What else do you
imagine going on beyond?
What happened just before the image was created and what happened
afterwards?
Finally, describe a way you could modify the image, firstly strengthening the
mood and atmosphere contained in the image, and then what you would
change to alter the mood significantly.
3. PORTFOLIO (Collated and submitted in PowerPoint form)
Submit a digital portfolio that demonstrates your design skills and you experiences in
the arts. This may have been work produced in the workplace, at School, College, at
home, at leisure, or work created through volunteer or related opportunities. A good
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 Intake 8portfolio will demonstrate your creativity and your passion for the arts; it will also show
us your level of design skills – such as drawing, model-making, Photoshop, drafting or
creative making. A good portfolio will show your best and most appropriate work –
don’t overcrowd your portfolio with weak work – it is better to have fewer examples but
better work. You will be taking us through your portfolio online at the interview, and
you will also be submitting via a Dropbox link provided below. Please email
Julie.Lynch@nida.edu.au with Rebecca.Paling@nida.edu.au CC’d to ask any
questions.
Examples to include in your portfolio:
Production photographs you have designed or assisted on. Examples of
design work in productions you have taken part in – such as model-making,
working drawings, costume and properties designs.
Photographs, drawings, sketchbooks, paintings, renderings, illustrations (hand
drawn and digital).
Design development, rough sketches, creative journals.
Any making projects, including: models, sculptures, design styling, costume,
properties and scenic art.
Anything technical, such as technical drawings, props lists, set lists, schedules.
Any paperwork, calendars etc., that shows how you organise yourself.
Other “wild-card” items that you think relate to your potential as a designer or
demonstrates who you are as an artist.
Note: we encourage photographs of large items such as sets, scenic art, digital
art, properties, costumes.
CALLBACKS
It may be necessary to call you back for a second interview. In this case we will set an additional
design exercise for you to complete and negotiate the best time for both parties to meet to
discuss. The meeting may take place via Zoom or at NIDA.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 Intake 9ON THE INTERVIEW DAY
All first interviews will be conducted via Zoom (you will be provided with a Zoom address prior),
and you should be prepared to spend up to one hour for your first interview.
The interview is in two
parts:
1. First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the Design for Performance course
and what will happen during the interview. There will be an opportunity for you to
ask any questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.
2. Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 45 minutes. During the
interview, we will discuss your project; your ideas about theatre, film and the
broader creative industry; and why you want to study Design for Performance at
NIDA.
SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS PRIOR TO INTERVIEW
You will submit:
ARTIST STATEMENT (fullname_artiststatement_MFADFP_2021.pdf)
DIGITAL PROJECT (fullname_project_MFADFP_2021.pptx)
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO (fullname_portfolio_MFADFP_2021.pptx)
Submissions must be made prior to the date of your interview, HERE.
https://www.dropbox.com/request/Bl8n2A2fiN0k8N35n9iT
THINGS TO NOTE
NIDA recognises that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure
your experience will be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Remember, the more
time and effort you put into the project and portfolio in advance, the better prepared
you will be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion.
NIDA will keep your digital work on file. Make sure your name is clearly marked on all
project materials. Ensure you have a copy of both materials to share and access at the
interview from your computer.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 Intake 10The interview process is friendly, informal and open, and is designed to give you the very best opportunity to indicate your potential and readiness to study at NIDA. However, should you have any concerns with the interview process or with what is said to you during the course of the interview, please express your concern immediately or talk it over with a member of the interview panel before your interview finishes. NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 2021 Intake 11
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (DIRECTING)
APPLICATION PREPARATION DETAILS FOR 2021 INTAKE
SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
The following should be uploaded with your application:
1. PROFESSIONAL CV
You should upload a detailed CV highlighting your education and training, professional
work and other relevant information.
2. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will need to provide proof of your university degree/s or five years of professional
experience in a relevant area. This can be a scan/photograph of your transcript or testamur
from the awarding institution.
3. A CRITICAL ESSAY
Prepare a two page critical essay or report on your practice, or a particular cultural event
you have witnessed. This should be uploaded with your application.
4. PORTFOLIO
You may upload a digital portfolio with your application; otherwise you can upload one to
the Dropbox below prior to your interview date. You should prepare examples of past work
that you feel will support your application and demonstrate your suitability for a career in
directing and the arts and entertainment industry.
PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
The following should be prepared in advance to be discussed at your interview:
5. DIRECTING PROJECT
Prepare a project based on ONE of the plays listed below:
Medea by Euripides (any translation or adaptation)
The Humans by Stephen Karam
The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell
Single Asian Female by Michelle Law
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 12
2021 Intake Holding the Man by Tommy Murphy adapted from the book by Timothy
Conigrave
Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegría Hudes
The nominated should texts be readily available from your local library, bookstore, or
online. Should you have any difficulty obtaining the text, please contact NIDA.
Consider the following questions in relation to the specified play and be ready to
discuss them at your interview:
• Text: What ideas is the playwright trying to express? What is the relevance of
the play to contemporary Australian audiences?
• Characters and Actors: What kind of people are the characters in the play? In
what kind of world do they exist? If you had complete freedom of choice,
which actors would you cast in your production?
• Design: How would you describe the imaginative world of the play? Where is
it located?
• Lighting: How should lighting be used to reveal and expose areas of this play
and the design of your production?
• Costume, Sets and Props: What particular requirements are there in each
of these areas?
• Music and Sound: What kind of music or sound effects would you use, and why?
• Theatre: Where would you stage your production? What kind of theatre will it be
in? What kind of equipment will you require? What challenges might arise in the
staging?
• Production Design Concept: Communicate your production through collected
material. This could include drawings or models of sets and costumes,
impressions in collage or electronic; anything that will help the selection panel
to understand your production concept.
Supporting materials should be submitted via Dropbox prior to your interview date to be viewed
by, and discussed amongst, the selection panel during and after your interview. Please make
sure your submission is clearly marked with your full name.
Submissions must be made prior to the date of your interview, HERE.
https://www.dropbox.com/request/b3hR0EERtS5GIhZ1uPL9
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 13
2021 IntakeON THE INTERVIEW DAY
Interviews are conducted by two NIDA staff members. All first round interviews will
take place via Zoom. Interviews will run for approximately one hour. The interview is
in two parts:
1. First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the MFA (Directing) course and what will
happen during the interview. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any
questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.
2. Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 45 minutes. During the interview,
we will discuss your project; your ideas about theatre, film and the broader creative
industry; and why you want to study Directing at NIDA.
ON THE RECALL DAY
If the selection panel would like to see more, you may be asked back for a recall interview on
a separate date. Depending on development of circumstances regarding COVID-19, your
recall audition may be in person or live via Zoom. Recall auditions, both in-person and
remotely, will take place in November. Due to COVID-19, details and requirements for the final
round of auditions will be outlined closer to the time and will be dictated by government
guidelines.
Should you be short-listed for acceptance into the course after the recall, you may be asked
to submit a list of three referees who have seen your work, or worked with you in some arts-
related capacity. NIDA may contact these referees before making a study offer.
Please note applicants who do not make it through to the recall stage for Master of Fine
Arts (Directing) should consider their application unsuccessful for the 2021 intake.
THINGS TO NOTE
NIDA recognises that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure
your experience will be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Remember, the more time
and effort you put into the project in advance, the better prepared you will be and the more
you will benefit from the interview and discussion.
NIDA may keep all or part of your project until the final selection of applicants is made. Make
sure your name is clearly marked on all project materials. Ensure you keep a copy of all
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 14
2021 Intakewritten work, as this will not be returned. The project will then be available for collection from NIDA during office hours. Interstate applicants’ projects will be returned on request. Be prepared to take your project away with you as well, as we may choose not to keep any material. The interview process is friendly, informal and open, and is designed to give you the very best opportunity to indicate your potential and readiness to study at NIDA. However, should you have any concerns with the interview process or with what is said to you during the course of the interview, please express your concern immediately, or talk it over with a member of the interview panel before you leave. NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 15 2021 Intake
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (VOICE)
APPLICATION PREPARATION DETAILS FOR 2021 INTAKE
NIDA will not be delivering the MFA (Voice) program in 2021.
If you would like to submit an Expression of Interest for the MFA (Voice) program intake for 2022,
you can do so by filling out the form at this link.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 16
2021 IntakeSUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
The following should be uploaded with your application:
1. PROFESSIONAL CV
You should upload a detailed CV highlighting your education and training, professional
work and other relevant information.
2. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will need to provide proof of your university degree/s or five years of professional
experience in a relevant area. This can be a scan/photograph of your transcript or testamur
from the awarding institution.
3. PORTFOLIO
You should prepare examples of past work that you feel will support your application and
demonstrate your suitability for a career in writing for performance, and the arts and
entertainment industry
• Prepare your three best pieces of creative writing
• They do not have to be plays or scripts for actors, but at least one piece
should display dramatic qualities
• At least one piece should contain a sample of dialogue
• Each extract or example should be no more than 2000 words
• Please merge your three pieces into ONE document, and upload as part
of your application
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 17
2021 IntakeON THE INTERVIEW DAY
Interviews are generally conducted by two NIDA staff members, and will take place via Zoom.
Interviews will run for approximately 40 minutes. The interview is in two parts:
1. First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the MFA (Writing for Performance) course
and what will happen during the interview. There will be an opportunity for you to ask
any questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.
2. Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 30 minutes. During the interview,
we will discuss your portfolio; your ideas about theatre, film and television; your
worldview, concerns, ambitions, creative process experience, and why you want to
study Writing for Performance at NIDA.
THINGS TO NOTE
NIDA recognises that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your
experience will be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Remember, the more time and effort
you put into your application in advance, the better prepared you will be and the more you will
benefit from the interview and discussion.
The interview process is friendly, informal and open, and is designed to give you the very best
opportunity to indicate your potential and readiness to study at NIDA. However, should you have
any concerns with the interview process or with what is said to you during the course of the
interview, please express your concern immediately, or talk it over with a member of the interview
panel before you leave.
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 18
2021 IntakeFAQs ABOUT AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE COURSE? Yes, however a separate online application form and payment of the AUD$75 administration fee is required for each course you would like to apply for. WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVEN’T RECEIVED DETAILS OF MY APPLICATION ACCOUNT? If you do not receive any automated emails from NIDA regarding your application account, please check your junk/spam/promotions filter. If you are still experiencing difficulties please contact us at applications@nida.edu.au WHERE WILL MY AUDITION/INTERVIEW TAKE PLACE? Due to COVID-19, for 2021 intake all first round interviews will take place via Zoom. They will take place in November – early December; check the relevant course page for exact dates, as we adjust to account for the COVID-19 pandemic. During your online application you will have the opportunity to select the date of your interview. Please note that NIDA reserves the right to amend your audition/interview date at any time, depending on availability. DOES NIDA GIVE AUDITION/INTERVIEW FEEDBACK? Due to the large number of people being auditioned and interviewed, it is not possible for NIDA to provide individual feedback. However, you may view the audition process as a learning experience by observing the re-direction suggestions provided to you, or other applicants, by members of the audition panel. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY AUDITION/INTERVIEW? Final selections are made for each course by mid-December when study offers will be distributed to successful applicants via email. NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 19 2021 Intake
APPENDIX A –
THEATRE PLAN
NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 20
2021 IntakeAPPENDIX B – THEATRE SECTION NIDA Masters of Fine Arts Application Guide for 21 2021 Intake
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