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 Public Speaking and Communication courses are designed across a four term structure within the following learning framework: 

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

Term 1: Instant Impact

Ignite your confidence and step into a space where quick thinking meets clear, compelling communication. Explore a range of improvisation techniques to develop your ability to speak on-the-spot with conviction and clarity. Think on your feet, respond in the moment and deliver your own perspective in our collaborative NIDA Open ensemble environment.

Components

• Improvisation: Learn improvisation techniques to enhance your performance.
• Confidence: Develop your confidence when speaking in front of an audience.
• Presenting: Understand and apply live presenting techniques.

Term 2: Words in Action

Set your ideas in motion – and power them with your voice! Explore a range of texts, develop your vocal and physical technique and discover how breath, pitch, rhythm and tone impact your every word and make language spring into action. Step forward, speak boldly and experience how dynamic delivery transforms your message.

Components

• Vocal Expression: Investigate effective vocal technique.
• Physical Awareness: Learn the essentials of physical preparation for tension-free alignment and effective breath work.
• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a short text for live presentation.

Term 3: Plot Twist

Great speakers know how to tell unforgettable stories. Explore how to twist well-known tales into original speeches that surprise, delight and defy expectations. Discover how storytelling techniques can elevate your public speaking skills and shape well-structured, engaging and entertaining presentations. Develop your imaginative ideas and let the story lead you to deliver a speech with a twist that no one sees coming.

Components

• Writing for Presentation: Discover how to effectively create an original speech for presentation.
• Storytelling: Learn how to use storytelling techniques to enliven the spoken word.
• Communication: Learn strategies to deliver powerful speeches that will engage a variety of audiences.

Term 4: Truth Be Told

What gives a great speech its spark? Dig into inspiring speeches by young people who’ve taken the mic and made their message matter. Explore the intention behind existing speeches delivered by emerging changemakers and discover how text analysis can inform your own interpretation. Work with NIDA Open teaching artists to shape a clear, compelling presentation that holds your audience’s attention. Step up and speak out with clarity, courage and truth.

Components

• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life an existing text for live presentation.
• Presenting: Understand and apply live presenting techniques.
• Rehearsal and Evaluation: Learn how to practice and gain feedback through a development and rehearsal process.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.