Overview

Led by industry experts, experience hands-on, skill-based learning. Our classes are for students at any stage of their creative development with a focus on both personal and artistic growth. NIDA Open provides a dynamic environment where young artists can explore their passions, gain confidence, and develop their craft in an inspiring and supportive environment. 

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 1 Improvisation and Performance Craft 
Term 2 Voice and Movement 
Term 3 Devising and Contemporary Practice 
Term 4 Script Work and Technique 

Term 1: Brief Encounters

Great screen performances go beyond the words on the page. Uncover the life of a script beyond the written dialogue, as you explore the given circumstances before “action” and after “cut”. Apply improvisation techniques to a range of short scenes and casting briefs to develop a deeper understanding of character and story. Discover how on-screen improvisation can bring authenticity and depth to your performance every time.

Components

• Spontaneity: Apply improvisation techniques to scripted and non-scripted on-screen performance.
• Collaboration: Collaborate as part of a team in recorded performance exercises.
• Acting Technique: Learn and apply fundamental screen acting techniques.

Term 2: Frame Up

Wide shot, mid-shot, close-up… Every frame demands a unique set of choices from an actor. Explore voice and movement technique and discover how subtle shifts can transform an on-screen performance. Learn how to apply your physical and vocal skills to suit the shot and apply NIDA acting techniques to contemporary film and television scripts to create compelling, nuanced and truthful performances for the screen.

Components

• Physical Awareness: Explore techniques that allow you to be more physically present in performance.
• Voice: Identify strategies for engaging the voice to create character.
• Technical Skill: Understand the potential of the camera to deliver a fully realised screen performance.

Term 3: One-Shot

Inspired by scenes from Birdman, The Studio, and The Bear, collaborate with your ensemble to devise, deliver, and shoot the perfect one-shot. Take control of the narrative and develop your on-screen technique as you experiment with the rhythm of this distinctive filmmaking style. Discover how to sustain a performance and stay in the moment to tell a story seamlessly, and share your work with family and friends at the conclusion of your course.

Components

• Collaboration: Work as an ensemble to create and construct engaging shot compositions.
• Technical Skill: Adopt various roles on set and gain an understanding of screen crews responsibilities.
• Contemporary Practice: Collaborate with your NIDA Open teaching artist to devise an original scene.

Term 4: Australian Made

Bring home-grown stories to life as you dive into the distinctive film and television shows that have lit up our screens. Explore NIDA acting techniques and apply script analysis skills to contemporary Australian texts, to craft specific, authentic and truthful on screen performances. Immerse yourself in the world of Australian screen storytelling and bring your own interpretation to the characters and stories that have captivated audiences across the country.

Components

• Acting Technique: Practice and refine acting to camera techniques.
• Text Analysis: Apply screen-acting skills to analyse and interpret the events of a scene.
• Screen Performance Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a performance.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.