NAISDA graduate discovers a new passion

Production was not an area of the professional performing arts industry that Peta-Louise Rixom initially considered pursuing, but the Advanced Diploma NAISDA graduate is finding her behind-the-scenes role and on-the-job training at Bangarra Dance Theatre a new passion area.

Rixom has recently been appointed Indigenous Production Trainee, contributing to the smooth running of Bangarra’s nationally acclaimed performances, rehearsals and events.

Born on Awabakal country, raised on Darkinjung land and a proud descendant of the Eora people from the east coast of NSW, Rixom said training as a NAISDA dancer showed her how to be on a stage and dance.

“But it’s really amazing to be behind the scenes in this new role and see how it contributes to the storytelling,” she said.

The coveted traineeship with Bangarra has given Rixom the opportunity to work across a variety of backstage areas including technical production, stage management, lighting, sound, staging and rigging.

NAISDA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students experience the breadth that the performing arts industry has to offer, supporting them on their individual professional journeys as future First Nations artists, creatives and cultural leaders.

“It was suggested that I apply for the position of Indigenous Production Trainee, and after exploring what it was, I realised that I did have an aptitude for it,” Rixom said.

Part of NAISDA’s curriculum includes professional development opportunities such as industry placements, masterclasses and secondments which provide students with career pathways into various roles within the arts industry and beyond.

Rixom participated in a secondment with professional dance company Lucy Guerin Inc in Melbourne during her time at NAISDA.

“Working with Lucy Guerin Inc, I got a feel for how arts company life works compared to training institutions,” she said.

It was NAISDA’s Cultural Residency that had a significant impact on her development as a young professional.

The program, which is unique to NAISDA as the only one offered in Australia, allows students to learn on Country with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

It is a transformative experience which deepens students’ cultural understanding, connection and dance techniques.

“Being at NAISDA I have been very privileged to learn about Indigenous communities, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance, culture and practice,” she said.

“I’ve been able to visit Nyinyikay in the North East Arnhem Land, Wollombi in NSW and the Moa Island community in the Torres Strait.”

Having graduated last month from her fourth and final year of study with NAISDA, Rixom said the biggest advantage in undertaking the creative and training journey at NAISDA is knowing why you are there.

“Studying at NAISDA you do find your people, and your fellow NAISDA students become like family,” she said.

NAISDA’s training is subsidised through the Federal Government and NSW Government for eligible students.

Applications to study at the college in 2025 are currently open.

Visit naisda.com.au/apply to find out more and apply before September 2.