Overview

Next Stage provides a supportive and creatively challenging environment for young artists serious about their artistic development. Each course runs across a semester (two terms) and students work towards group performance outcomes supported by NIDA’s creative leaders. Course work includes an introduction to a variety of performance disciplines and stage craft to help students develop their passion for performing arts in a holistic approach to performance and theatre training. Get ready for the Next Stage of your creative training!

Students engage in a personalised assessment and feedback process with their tutor at the end of every semester, providing them with the information and support they need to decide the next step in their creative education.

Semester 1 – Devising: Memories and Milestones

Growing up we all encounter moments that help shape who we are now. Work with a NIDA director to devise a brand new theatre piece inspired by the memories and milestones of your own life. Learn how to devise and develop an original theatrical work from beginning to end and share your ensemble work with a one off performance for family and friends at the end of the course.

Components

• Collaboration: Incorporate and develop shared ideas into a live presentation.
• Creative Voice: Assume a variety of roles in a creative process, generate new ideas for an original performance work.
• Physical Awareness: Take command of your physical presence on stage. Practice movement and performance skills through exercises and physical theatre training.
• Stage Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a performance.
• Performance: Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a short live presentation.

Semester 2 – Scripts and Staging: Enter Stage Left.

To act is to do. Experience the process an actor goes through in rehearsal. Develop the skills necessary to take your performance ability to the Next Stage. Work on a full scripted performance chosen especially for your class group. Across 16 weeks you will work with a NIDA director to develop a fully-realised character for performance then present the rehearsed work in a studio setting to family and friends.

Components

• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a written text for live performance.
• Stage Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a scripted, live performance.
• Vocal Expression: Practice and apply vocal performance technique in a live presentation.
• Rehearsal and Evaluation: Learn how to rehearse and gain feedback through a development and rehearsal process.
• Performance Skill: Experiment with specific voice and movement choices to influence character and performance.

Prerequisites

Students must be available to attend every session of this 16-week course. End of course feedback and project participation is dependent on reliable attendance. Students can apply for attendance exemption in exceptional circumstances, applications must be made in advance to the supervising course manager. Students enrolled in this course must have participated in at least three NIDA term or holiday courses prior to attending this course OR be able to provide evidence of appropriate training at a comparable institution. 

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.