Creative Territorians will have access to new subsidised training opportunities as part of a new partnership between Screen Territory, Arts NT and the National Institute of Dramatic Art, in an effort to “boost skills” in the NT’s creative industries.

“The program will present a series of face-to-face NIDA training courses in specific areas designed to fill skills shortages and build the talent pool of Territory creatives,” a government statement said.

“This includes screen practitioners, theatre and live events staff, performing arts, publicity and promotion workers.”

Territory high school students will also take part in a variety of one-day courses as part of the workshop program that will give students a taste of a career in the screen and arts industries.

National Institute of Dramatic Art chief executive Liz Hughes said she applauded the government support for the industry.

“NIDA’s training is perfectly positioned to realise this exciting ambition,” she said.

“We are looking forward to commencing practical skills training for NT storytellers across a range of disciplines.

“Many super-talented, creative individuals are from the NT, including a number of successful NIDA alumni, and we are excited by the potential of this program to provide a pathway for emerging creatives.”

One of those NT alumni of NIDA, actor Rob Collins, said the new partnership would help Territorians looking to launch careers in the arts.

“NIDA provided me with an outstanding base for building my craft and launching a career in both Screen and Arts, and I am excited for my fellow Territorians to have access to the world-class facilities and training of NIDA through this program,” he said.

“The Northern Territory is rich with storytellers and talented creatives who, with access to this kind of in-person training, will have greater networks and opportunities to realise their potential. I look forward to working with them in the future!”

The training program will commence in early April.

“These include Producing for Stage and Screen, Writing for the Screen, Acting Technique, Acting Technique for Screen, Directing Actors for Screen, Make-up and Hair Essentials, Costume Design Essentials, Props Making, The Confident Voice, Screen Acting on Location, Audition Preparation and Screen Tests,” Arts Minister Chansey Paech said.

“Screen Territory is offering a limited number of Travel Support – Skills Development grants while Arts NT is offering Quick Response and Professional Development grants for Territorian practitioners who are not based in Darwin.”

More information on the courses is available here: https://screenterritory.nt.gov.au/