It's Show Time For Alice 

When your hear the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) mentioned, you naturally think of Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and the list goes on. However, it’s not just great actors that graduate from NIDA, it’s also where some of the world’s best set designers, lighting specialists, special effects and costume designers learn their craft.

So you can imagine the excitement Year 11 student, Alice Haire felt recently when she learnt she had been selected from students across NSW to work at NIDA on the upcoming Spot Light Drama Festival.

On originally hearing about the opportunity, Relieving Deputy Principal, Ms Jacki Neil immediately thought of Alice and the value such an opportunity would be for her.  Alice is studying a Cert III – Entertainment (Live Production and Services) as part of her HSC and a course requirement is undertaking 70 hours industry work experience. Ms Neil wasted no time in helping Alice with her application.

Alice said ‘I couldn’t believe my luck when Ms Neil told me I had been selected to work on the three day festival. I truly didn’t think they’d chose me, but I’m so grateful they did. I am fascinated by all the elements required for stage and movie production, so the chance to work on the technical production end of this event is incredible.’  

A self-confessed movie tragic with a long held interest in watching the featurettes at the end of movies to understand how the sound, lighting and special effects are planned and delivered, Alice hopes of pursuing a career in the production industry.

‘Last year for work experience I spent a week at the Sydney Opera House,’ Alice explained. ‘I was totally hooked after that. It was fascinating. So you can imagine how excited I am about NIDA. This opportunity will give me an even greater chance to be hands on with being a part of a large production and seeing how the back stage aspects all come together to deliver a great production. I can’t thank Ms Neil enough for putting me forward.’