The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is to celebrate its 60th birthday by offering free-of-charge tuition to young people having trouble taking part in the arts due to financial or other disadvantages.
NIDA Open has committed $25,000 worth of complimentary tuition for young people experiencing barriers to participation.
NIDA said its $25,000 Open Equity Scholarships would be available throughout the 2019 Spring holiday period and were open to all secondary school-aged students nationally.
Applications can be made by individuals or by an organisation on behalf of a young person identified as a suitable scholarship applicant.
Head of NIDA Open, Tricia Ryan said the program incorporated the rigorous, practice-led NIDA training methods into its courses, within a committed and supportive environment to allow young people to achieve their full creative potential.
“The scholarships can be accessed for every course offered across the country from Darwin to Adelaide, from Sydney to Melbourne,” Ms Ryan said.
“Nearly 50 young creatives will have to chance to grow and expand their talent through the NIDA Equity Scholarship program,” she said.
“These scholarships improve access to acting and creative development education for all young Australians.”
Lily Matthews (pictured) won a scholarship to support her place in Darwin in 2018.
Ms Matthews said NIDA had inspired her to take up drama as a subject at school in Years 11 and 12.
“I would also like to join a theatre group and participate in more acting classes and audition for shows, movies and musicals in the future,” Ms Matthews said.
Applications for the NIDA Open Equity Scholarships are open until 26 July with the winners announced on 23 August and courses starting on 23 September.
More information and application forms can be found at the NIDA website at this PS News link.
