From Screen to Stage: Joanne Rose’s Playwriting Journey with NIDA Open
When Joanne Rose enrolled in her first NIDA Open playwriting course in November 2025, she brought with her more than a decade of experience as a screenwriter. What she discovered was not just a new discipline, but a renewed sense of creative freedom, and a new learning pathway.
Having completed two back-to-back online courses with NIDA Open, Joanne’s journey is a powerful example of how stepping into a new form can reignite artistic passion and open unexpected doors.
Actors Bella Hamblin and Shadow Liptrot rehearse ‘Seasons of You’ by Joanne Rose
at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham.
A New Creative Direction
Joanne came to NIDA Open with clear expectations.
“I knew I would be in very good hands at NIDA Open, given that it’s the number one dramatic arts institute in Australia with international recognition. I was expecting to learn from the best and understand the techniques of playwriting,” she said.
Despite her extensive background in screenwriting, including award-winning work and time spent living and working in Los Angeles, playwriting offered something entirely new. Inspired after a trip to London, Joanne was eager to build the skills needed to confidently transition into writing for the stage.
Returning to the Foundations of Storytelling
A series of professional setbacks as a screenwriter became a turning point. and Joanne found herself at a creative crossroads.
“I wanted to go back to the foundations of storytelling, get inspired and fall in love with the art and creative process again.”
This desire led her to NIDA Open, where she could reset, refine her craft, and explore storytelling from a fresh perspective.
Rediscovering a Story
During the course, Joanne revisited a screenplay she had previously abandoned due to writer’s block.
“I had actually deleted it but thankfully retrieved it from my trash folder. I learnt quickly at NIDA never to delete anything, which is a valuable lesson.”
Through in-class development and dramaturgy sessions, the piece evolved into a romantic comedy for the stage, one of Joanne’s favourite genres. Feedback from both tutors and fellow students played a crucial role in shaping the work and bringing it to life.
Learning to Write for the Stage
Transitioning from screen to stage required Joanne to rethink her creative approach.
“Learning to write for the stage was something I had to overcome. NIDA taught me to abandon the rules of screenwriting. I was able to create from a blank canvas, shutting out all the noise of the ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ of Hollywood. NIDA made the writing journey more fun, I actually felt like an artist for the first time, with creativity flowing.”
Jasmine Arden-Brown (director), Bella Hamblin and Shadow Liptrot (actors)
at The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham.
From Classroom to Stage
A significant milestone in Joanne’s journey came when her debut play was selected for a Scratch Night at The Old Stock Joint Theatre in Birmingham, England.
“When I received the email, I was overcome with tears. A door had finally opened—especially in England.”
Joanne credits her NIDA Open experience, particularly her work with tutor Alison Rooke, for helping her shape the script. She also collaborated with a London-based dramaturg to refine the piece further and prepare selected scenes for performance opportunities.
A Supportive and Inspiring Environment
For Joanne, the NIDA Open experience was both creatively challenging and deeply supportive.
“Do it! You will be blown away by the teachings and inspired in incredible ways. It’s truly empowering.”
She reflects on a quote by author Jack Canfield that resonates strongly with her journey: “You can never learn less; you can only learn more.”
What’s Next
Joanne continues to expand her creative practice, currently completing another NIDA Open course, The Art of Set Design. Her growing interest in theatre has inspired her to explore not just writing, but the visual world of stage production.
“I’m heading to London in May and planning to relocate there next year to fully step into the world of theatre.”
Joanne’s story highlights the transformative power of learning something new, whether you’re just starting out or evolving an established career. Through NIDA Open, she has not only developed her skills as a playwright but rediscovered the joy of creating.
