NAISDA, Australia’s national dance and performing arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, is offering a new online audition option on 23 and 24 November for its 2023 intake.
NAISDA Chief Executive Officer, Kim Walker, explained the benefits the online auditions offer.
“We appreciate that not everyone was able to attend our onsite auditions earlier this year, so this second online option is designed to make the process accessible for anyone that might have missed out previously,” he said.
“Auditioning online will be interactive and fun, allowing applicants to audition from the comfort of their own home. All they need is space to dance and a phone, laptop or computer with microphone and internet access,” said Mr Walker.
From its campus on Darkinjung Land on the New South Wales Central Coast, NAISDA delivers full time, nationally accredited courses from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma, with units in cultural and contemporary Indigenous dance, ballet, hip hop, choreography, physical theatre, music production and dancefilm.
In addition to developing technical skills and career pathways into the arts industry, the NAISDA curriculum includes a unique Cultural Residency program, along with live performance and production experience in professional theatres and training secondments with national arts companies.
“Cultural learning and knowledge are at the forefront of NAISDA training,” explained NAISDA’s Head of Dance, Deon Hastie.
“We work in partnership with our Cultural Tutors and Elders to provide students the opportunity to connect with culture through programs like our Cultural Residencies, which see students visit and learn with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16 years and over are invited to apply by 20 November 2022 by completing a short online application form.
Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an online audition workshop, performing a set piece of choreography for a panel of NAISDA staff, along with an online interview.
Successful auditionees will also be asked to undertake physiotherapy, wellbeing, and language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessments before starting training at NAISDA.
“Studying at NAISDA offers a unique opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to connect with culture, develop their skills and creative practice and learn from some of the best trainers and choreographers from around the world,” continued Mr Walker.
“If you have a passion for dance and are interested in a career in the performing arts, I encourage you to apply – but be quick, the application deadline is only a few weeks away,” he concluded.
NAISDA’s training is subsidised by the NSW Government and through the Federal Government
for eligible students.
To apply, eligible applicants should visit www.naisda.com.au/apply and submit their application before 20 November 2022.
For enquiries, please contact NAISDA on (toll free) on 1800 117 116 or email auditions@naisda.com.au