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Building takes centre stage: NIDA stage II
What happens when you bring together creative artists, designers and architects, a national training institution, Commonwealth Government funding and a Hollywood movie star? Well, if that institution is the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), then it's an award winning building.
NIDA's new Stage II development brings together the world of drama with the world of architecture in a stunning state-of-the-art theatre complex that recently won the prestigious Sir John Sulman medal for architecture.
The award winning design is an expressive mix of form and function that reflects the energy and vibrancy of NIDA, and as the jury report notes, 'represents a confident and progressive attitude'.
Stage II gives NIDA students a well-equipped, industry standard teaching theatre and, through the dedicated film and television studio, more training in film, television and multimedia technology. The project also includes extension of the performing arts library and additional space for the community based Open Program of short drama courses.
As one of the world's most successful training schools in theatre, film and television, the Commonwealth Government supports NIDA on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Commonwealth Government, through the Federation Fund, provided $25 million for the Stage II complex.
NIDA graduate and Hollywood movie star and director, Mel Gibson, also lent a hand with a generous US$1 million gift to his former school. Opening the Parade Theatre and foyer in April, Mel Gibson credited his current success to his training at NIDA.
'I can honestly say I might not be where I am today if it wasn't for my time at NIDA,' Mr Gibson said.
NIDA and its graduates have always been linked with the high quality of Australia's performing artists and theatre and film productions both here and overseas. With the Sulman medal, NIDA's excellence is now associated with another area of the arts--architecture.