Overview

NIDA is searching for 16 exceptional young performing artists in grades 7-10 to join the Performance Lab course in 2027. Performance Lab is a year-long program for young artists wishing to engage in a focused, practical performing arts training program. Collaborate with NIDA experts in a variety of disciplines and skills including movement, devising and acting to create live performance. The 2027 course culminates in the presentation of an original work devised by the Performance Lab ensemble at the end of Semester 1, and a scripted work at the end of Semester 2.

All Performance Lab students engage in a personalised feedback process with their Teaching Artist at the end of each semester, providing them with the support to guide the next step in their creative education.

Semester 1 – Devising: Let me Tell You a Secret

Secrets can unite us and divide us. What makes the mystery surrounding secrets so thrilling, and who can you really trust with your innermost thoughts? Inspired by the Greek myth of Pandora’s box, discover the far-reaching consequences of unleashing secrets as you devise an original theatre work with your Performance Lab ensemble.

Discover how improvisation, character development and creative collaboration techniques can help transform ideas into compelling stories on stage. Develop practical devising strategies, explore storytelling structure, and learn how to shape scenes through a rehearsal period. Share your original devised work in a presentation for an invited audience at the end of the course.

Components

• Creative Voice: Assume a variety of roles in a creative process to generate new ideas for a live presentation.
• Writing for Performance: Contribute to the written text of a new devised performance work through workshop activities.         
• Performance:  Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a live presentation.   
• Evaluation:  Learn and apply self-evaluation techniques. Develop supportive ways to provide feedback to others throughout the rehearsal process.

Semester 2 – Text and Staging: Classic Tales

Extend your performance experience as you walk in the shoes of legendary characters and bring an epic story to life in a high-stakes Greek drama. Over 16 weeks, work with a NIDA director to develop skills in choral speaking, physical storytelling and mask, and explore techniques for working with heightened language.

Immerse yourself in the rehearsal process as you learn to analyse scripts, research and create characters, and apply vocal and physical skills to your performance. Develop rehearsal rigour and performance versatility as you work as an ensemble, culminating in an end-of-year rehearsal room performance for your invited audience.

Components

• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a written text for live performance.                               
• Vocal Expression: Practise and apply vocal performance technique in a live presentation.                                                                                                                                 
• Character Development: Develop a fully realised character from a scripted work for live performance.
• Stage Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a scripted, live performance.

Course Dates and Times

Saturdays, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Semester 1, 2027: 6th February to 3rd April and 1st May to 26th June

Semester 2, 2027: 24th July to 11th September and 16th October to 4th December

Course Fees

$1,230 per Semester

Audition

Saturday 12 December, 2027 10:00am – 1:00pm

Saturday 9 January, 2027 10:00am – 1:00pm

Saturday 9 January, 2027 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Audition Preparation

Entry to the Performance Lab is by audition only. Audition information will be sent via a downloadable link upon enrolment.

Prerequisites

• Entry to this course is by audition only.
• This is a year-long 32 week course and you must be available to attend every session. Students can apply for attendance exemption in exceptional circumstances, applications must be made in advance to the supervising Program Manager. End of semester feedback and project participation is dependent on minimum attendance requirements.
• Course payment is Semester based and must be paid before the commencement of each Semester.

Important Information

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.

• Please read our Terms and Conditions and 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.
• Participants must provide their own lunch, including snacks and drinks.
• NIDA staff will supervise students in courses for Grades 7–10 years in their breaks. These students will not be permitted to leave the advertised venue without parental permission.