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 Drama 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: Let’s Get Reel

Comedy and improvisation collide in the greatest unscripted course yet! Work with your ensemble to create original mockumentary worlds brimming with unique stories. Explore improvisation technique to develop the skills for creating off-the-cuff characters, dialogue and action in rehearsals. Bring the reality of fictional events to a whole new level as you shoot your docu-comedy vignettes.

Components

• Spontaneity: Use improvisation in a screen performance. Apply improvisation techniques to the development of a new rehearsed work.
• Character Development: Develop a unique character for recorded performance.
• Collaboration: Work in a group to incorporate new, shared ideas into a recorded performance work.

Term 2: The Art of Fun

Develop your physical skills as we explore on screen slapstick comedy. Drawing inspiration from artists including Charile Chaplin, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carey and Will Ferrell, explore vocal flexibility and movement style to understand the technical requirements of on screen physical comedy. Share your silliest takes with friends and family at the end of term.

Components

• Vocal expression: Learn how the voice works, develop confidence and vocal technique in a recorded performance.
• Character Development: Develop a unique character for recorded performance.
• Physical Awareness: Take command of your physical presence on screen and consider the elements that contribute to the physical realization of an on screen performance.

Term 3: The Black List

Step inside the world of on-screen mystery and cinematic intrigue with the discovery of a recently unearthed Hollywood blacklisted script. A film script onced deemed ‘too daring, too strange and too dangerous’ for the screen is now yours to re-imagine. Explore contemporary storytelling, character development and screen acting techniques and collaborate with your ensemble to devise an original mystery thriller script and shoot key scenes.

Components

• Character Development: Develop a unique character for recorded performance.
• Performance – Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a short, recorded presentation.
• Collaboration: Work in a group, incorporate shared ideas into a new, recorded performance work.

Term 4: Casting Club

Discover techniques for approaching screen auditions and self-tapes. Learn how to select and prepare monologues and short scenes suitable for castings. Develop your acting technique to deliver authentic performances and manage your nerves to feel confident in every audition. Whether it’s a television commercial, TV role or feature film this course will explore the skills for you to take control.

Components

• Text Analysis – Interpret and bring to life a short written text for screen performance.
• Audition Practice: Participate in simulated auditions and screen tests.
• Technique: Establish a relationship with the camera as you master hitting your mark, eye line techniques and develop an on screen presence.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.