Young NT mob invited to apply for technical production pathways program

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in partnership with Brown's Mart is presenting an inspiring opportunity for First Nations young people aged 18-25 from Darwin and across the Northern Territory to build skills and begin a career behind the scenes in the performing arts.

Delivered at Brown's Mart precinct in Darwin, NIDA's First Nations Technical Production Pathways is a free five-day intensive program commencing Monday 6 July and running throughout NAIDOC Week.

It will provide hands-on training in technical and production roles for live performance, including stage management, lighting, sound, and festival operations.

"First Nations people remain underrepresented in technical and production roles within Australia's entertainment industry, despite strong demand," NIDA's director of First Nations, Travis Cardona, said.

"This free program addresses that gap by combining world-class training with practical, real-world pathways into employment across live events, theatre and festivals."

Brown's Mart co-chief executive officers, Liz Rogers and Yvette Walker said: "Brown's Mart has always been a place for genuine connection, bold ideas and cultural excellence and its ultimate vision is to bring together people to share their stories and cultural traditions through live performance."

"This partnership with NIDA will allow young First Nations peoples to build vital skills, grow their professional networks, and contribute to a strengthening First Nations technical workforce in the Northern Territory," they said.

Led by NIDA's industry-respected teaching staff and presented in collaboration with Brown's Mart, the program will provide a direct pathway for participants to gain in demand skills and connect with local employment opportunities.

First Nations young people aged 18-25 from Darwin and across the Northern Territory are encouraged to apply for the 2026 NIDA First Nations Technical Production Pathways by email to FirstNations@nida.edu.au.

Applicants are asked to state in one hundred words or more who their mob is, where they are from, and why they would like to take part in the course.

Applications are open until Monday 22 June.

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