Theatre design at NIDA - Help on my application (1 Viewer)

[jo_m]

Hey
I'm just filling out my application now; it doesn't look very good because I don't have much experience when it comes to theatre...
I came to a question:

If you do not gain admission to NIDA, what other courses or career paths will you consider?

I don't know whether to actually answer it (Because I'd probably either apply for the one at CSU, or go into English teaching) or whether they want to see if I can show I am confident and really want to go.
I know some employers expect answers like the latter; eg "I am wholly confident that I will gain admission to NIDA, based on my passion for the arts and theatre. It is my first choice. My second would still be in the Theatre - [don't know whether to specifically mention CSU] and otherwise, an English teacher, as I still have the chance to share my love of plays with others. I would most prefer this course as, based on my interaction at the open day, I fully believe NIDA would allow me to grow as an artist and fuel my creativity in an environment that suits me."

 

[Absolutezero]

Don't go for the guaranteed entry idea. The admission rate into NIDA is painfully small, and it just comes across as arrogant.

What they are looking for is a commitment to the industry and your development as an artist. You want to be stating logically other options that you would pursue. Things like applying for design at WAAPA, theatre production at Wollongong, Design courses at VCA, Film & Television production at CSU, sessions at AFTRS, ACTT etc. English teaching can come into it, but you want to state your theatrical reasons for entering the field.

You should be stating why you'd pursue those options, what you'd get out of them, and how that would improve your standing as an artist. By showing your commitment to this, you're giving them reasons to accept you.