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 Acting on Screen 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: Brief Encounters

The magic of performance lies in the actor’s ability to bring a character to life. Apply improvisation technique to a range of short scenes and casting briefs to develop a deeper understanding of the characters on the page. Work collaboratively to explore the given circumstances before ‘action’ and after ‘cut’ and fully investigate the life of a script. Develop your unique approach to improvisation on screen, and the skills necessary to capture an authentic performance every time.

Components

• Spontaneity: Apply improvisation techniques to scripted and non-scripted on-screen performance.
• Collaboration: Collaborate as part of a team in recorded performance exercises.
• Technique: Learn and apply fundamental screen acting techniques.

Term 2: Shot by Shot

The shot size says it all. The actors ability to understand storytelling through the lens plays a crucial role in the decisions made on set. Led by our experienced NIDA Open teaching artists, develop a greater understanding of how your vocal and physical choices directly influcence the specificity of your on screen performance. Work with contemporary film and television scripts to extend your visual language for screen and discover how the shot size works for you.

Components

• Physical awareness: Explore techniques that allow you to be more physically present in performance.
• Voice: Identify strategies for engaging the voice to create character.
• Technical skill: Understand the potential of the camera to deliver a fully realised screen performance.

Term 3: Sketch Show

Immerse yourself in the quick-witted world of on-screen comedy sketch shows and learn what it takes to make people laugh in the age of online comedy ensembles and digital streaming sensations! Develop your skills in devising, improvisation, and physical comedy and work collaboratively with your peers to create and shoot your own unique sketches. Explore the art of visual humour and share your hilarious skits with family and friends at the end of term!

Components

• Collaboration: Work as an ensemble to write and shoot a sketch comedy scene.
• Technical skill: Understand the potential of the camera to enhance comedic storytelling.
• Contemporary practice: Gain experience in the various roles required to create an original work for screen.

Term 4: Viva La Villian

Are bad guys really ALL bad? Investigate the inner workings of the Villian’s mind and discover what makes them tick, tick, boom! Develop text analysis skills and take a deep dive into the underworld of these sordid characters and bring your own interpretation to their twisted tales. Explore the complexities of the given circumstances as you craft a compelling performance that persuades your audience to turn a blind eye to bad deeds. Learn how to craft powerful performances for screen and share your favourite scenes to an invited audience.

Components

• Develop and record from a scripted scene.
• Acting technique: Use Stanislavski technique to unlock your character’s inner life.
• Screen Performance Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realization of a performance.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.