National Drama School Leader
The National Drama School has welcomed the appointment of professional actor, theatre director and academic Dr Jaime Dörner to the leadership role of Director of Drama.
Jaime joined The National Drama School as Associate Artistic Director in mid 2023 and has been instrumental in the continuing development and growth of the acting courses being offered.
“The National Drama School has played a vital role in cultivating Australia’s stage and screen acting talents since it was founded in 1936,” says Jaime. “It’s a privilege to step into this important performing arts leadership role and take the reins of this dynamic learning institution as we approach our 90th anniversary.”
After completing training in New Zealand and Chile, Jaime earned a Doctorate in Theatre and Performance at Monash University in 2019.
“My curiosity as a practitioner constantly leads me to question the craft of making theatre; what the purpose of theatre is and how effective theatre can be,” says Jaime. “I believe theatre can be a trigger and a provocateur of emotional/intellectual processes that connect artists and audiences through storytelling.”
During his theatrical career, Jaime was twice awarded Artist in Residency at Massey University, directing A Midsummer Nights’ Dream in 2012 and King Lear in 2015. He has directed theatre and movement-based shows in Chile, New Zealand and Australia.
Established in 1936 by revered arts pioneer Gertrude Johnson OBE, The National Drama School in Melbourne is Australia’s longest-established vocational training organisation for acting and a leading cultivator of stage and screen talent.
All training programs are focussed on developing acting skills and delivered by a team of professional teaching faculty and industry experts. The Young Actors Program offers primary and secondary school children regular classes in acting for stage and/or screen, along with interactive seasonal school holiday programs in winter and summer.
For young adults and school leavers seeking to pursue a professional acting career, The National Drama School offers the industry leading bridging program, Foundation in Acting, and the flagship two-year Diploma of Acting qualification.
Renowned for its industry connections, intimate class sizes, and passion for the craft of acting, the school celebrates and champions diversity, while cultivating excellence and authenticity.
Australian stars of stage and screen who are alumni include Kat Stewart, Richard Cawthorne, Tosh Greenslade, Esther Hannaford, Lawrence Mooney and Geraldine Quinn.
Stepping into his new role, Jaime has identified three core values that underpin The National Drama School’s training programs: Care, Excellence and Community.
“In these ever-evolving times, The National Drama School remains committed to developing the voice of our next generation of performing artists,” says Jaime. “We have established three core values for our training programs. Care for each individual student, their particular background and way of learning. Excellence in our teaching and performance outcomes, and finally we are passionate in transforming the National into a vibrant centre of performance making for our creative community.
Information and applications are available at nationaltheatre.org.au/drama-school for aspiring performers interested in joining the Young Actors Program and those exploring a professional career who may wish to join the Foundation in Acting or Advanced Diploma of Acting courses.
https://nationaltheatre.org.au/drama-school/
(Image : The stars aligned for final year Drama students when acclaimed theatre-maker Emily O'Brien-Brown directed the Shool's production of Nick Payne's award-winning play Constellations.
