Learning framework
Each term we focus on a specific area of performance practice to ensure students have a varied experience and learn a range of essential creative skills.
Students are able to join us at the start of any term during the year.
NIDA Open Acting on Screen courses are designed across a four term structure within the following learning framework:
Term one Improvisation and Performance Craft
Term two Voice and Movement
Term three Devising and Contemporary Practice
Term four Script Work and Technique
Discover the world of on-screen comedy sketch shows. Develop your skills in improvisation and physical comedy techniques for screen as you develop your own material. Employ camera techniques that support the genre and shoot and review your work.
- Spontaneity: Learn to trust your instincts and gain confidence making creative choices on-screen.
Collaboration: Work as an ensemble to write and perform your own sketch comedy show scenes.
Technical skill: Understand the potential of the camera to enhance your comedy and story telling.
Discover techniques for approaching screen tests and auditions. Select, prepare and learn monologues and short scenes suitable for castings. Explore voice and movement techniques to develop versatility in making strong character choices.
- Technique: Develop awareness of the unique differences between a screen test and audition.
Physical awareness: Explore techniques that allow you to be more physically present in performance.
Voice: Identify strategies for engaging the voice in delivery.
Get ready to pitch your ideas for the next big blockbuster. The twist - you've only 8 weeks so you have to wow the producers! Learn how to turn a simple concept into reality. Work with your peers to develop your concept and create the must see trailer to guarantee a box office hit.
- Collaboration: Work as an ensemble to pitch and plan out your short film.
Technical skill: Take on various roles on set and see how each job fits into the bigger picture.
Contemporary practice: Collaborate with your NIDA Open Teaching Artist and devise an original piece of film.
Work with a NIDA teaching artist to develop the inner life of a character and develop the technical skills to fully realise that character on screen. Employ in-depth analysis to discover the nuance in every script and be ready for that close up every time.
- Develop and record from a scripted scene.
- Acting technique: Use Stanislavski technique to unlock your character’s inner life.
Screen Performance Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realization of a performance.
- Please read our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
- Flights and Accommodation: From time to time we may need to cancel an advertised course. Before booking flights and accommodation for travel to attend a NIDA Open course, please contact the NIDA Open office to confirm if your course will proceed as planned. NIDA does not accept liability for any associated costs of attendance or cancellation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in for all drama and performance related courses. Clothing that restricts movement is inappropriate.
- Please wear closed-in shoes. Shoes may be removed in the rehearsal room on the direction of the class tutor.
- Please bring along a pen, notebook and bottle of water to all classes.
- If you are running late to collect your child, please call NIDA reception on 02 9697 7600. NIDA will only provide supervision during advertised course times.
- NIDA staff will supervise students in courses for Grades 3 to 10 during breaks. These students will not be permitted to leave the advertised venue without parental permission.
- Students in courses for Grades 11 and 12 will not be supervised during breaks and are free to leave the venue at designated break times should they wish.
Enrol for the full year in advance to receive a 15% discount off the full price!
- Discount is only applicable when booking all four terms within the same calendar year.
- Discount is not available online. Please book over the phone by calling the office on 1300 450 417 to receive the discount.
- If students do not attend all four terms, the discount is no longer valid.