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 Drama 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: Here’s Looking at You

Some of the most memorable on-screen moments in film history are nowhere to be found in the script! Explore improvisation technique to imagine life beyond the scene for some of your favorite characters. Discover the role spontaniety plays in crafting dynamic screen performances and develop your confidence and creativity. Present your work to family and friends at the end of the term.

Components

• Spontaneity: Utilise improvisation skills to build a screen performance.
• Acting technique: Develop improvisation skills including making, accepting and extending offers and playing actions and objectives to explore characterisation.
• Ensemble: Work as part of a team on recorded performance exercises.

Term 2: Continuity Chaos!

Sit down, stand up, walk on the line, hit your mark, hold for action… ACTION! Develop voice and movement technique as you learn how to deliver a grounded, authentic performance while meeting the on-set demands of ensuring continuity across every take (even when you have a list cues to remember). Work with our experienced teaching artists to challenge your on screen technique and learn how to take the chaos out of continuity.

Components

• Vocal expression- Learn how the voice works, develop confidence and vocal technique in a recorded performance.
• Physical awareness: Take command of your physical presence on screen and consider the elements that contribute to the physical realization of an on screen performance.
• Development: Develop a unique character for recorded performance.

Term 3: Scenes of the Strange and Eccentric

Step into the world of the weird and wonderful as you work collaboratively to devise, film, and bring to life a scene inspired by Tim Burton’s iconic characters. Explore the delicate balance between the eerie and the endearing as you create nuanced, complex characters for the screen. Unleash your quirky tales and bring them vividly to life in our supportive classrooms. Share your original devised creations with friends and family at the end of the course.

Components

• Character Development: Develop a unique character for performance.
• Collaboration: Work in a group, incorporate shared ideas into a new, recorded performance work.
• Screen Writing: Devise and script original scenes for screen.

Term 4: All In a Day’s Audition

Uncover the techniques for approaching screen tests and auditions and get ready for action! Learn how to select and prepare contemporary monologues and short scenes suitable for castings. Under the guidance of a NIDA Open teaching artist explore the given circumstances and text analysis technique and discover how to deliver a truthful performance every time. Share a selection of your favourite scenes with an invited audience at the end of term.

Components

• Audition Practice: Participate in simulated auditions and screen tests.
• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a short written text for recorded performance.
• Technique: Establish a relationship with the camera and develop an on screen presence.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.