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 Performance 
Term 4 Script Work and Staging 

Term 1: 6 Purdie Road

Step into the peculiar world of 6 Purdie Road, an imaginary apartment block where the ordinary becomes extraordinary! Discover improvisation techniques and explore day-in-the-life scenarios inspired by the building’s eccentric residents—from the aspiring magician to the conspiracy blogger. Collaborate in an inclusive space that encourages creativity, spontaneity, and teamwork. Share your short and long form improvised stories with family and friends at the end of term.

Components

• Craft: Participate in improvised scene work to develop basic acting and improvisation technique including understanding the Given Circumstances and how they effect characterisation.
• Spontaneity: Engage your imagination and develop lateral thinking skills through spontaneity and improvisation exercises.
• Ensemble: Work as part of a team to achieve a shared goal through improvised performance.

Term 2: Tell Me A Story

Great actors are great storytellers who can bring characters to life and weave unforgettable tales to captivate an audience. Explore NIDA voice and movement training and apply technique to text to create authentic, engaging characters for the stage. Perform with confidence and tell your character’s tale in an end-of-term presentation for family and friends.

Components

• Voice: Introduction to how the voice works, exploration of fundamental vocal performance techniques.
• Physical Awareness: Practice and apply movement technique for the actor including alignment, presence and spatial relationships in a live presentation.
• Performance Skill: Experiment with specific voice and movement choices to influence character and performance.

Term 3: Super WhoMan?

We all know the A List – Superman, Wonder Woman and The Flash, but what about the lesser known superheroes – Knitting Man, Easily Distracted Woman and The Crash? Uncover the unique superpowers of these underappreciated Super WhoMans as you devise scenes that put them in the spotlight. Explore contemporary and physical theatre techniques, and craft an original devised presentation. Share your Super WhoMan stories with family and friends, and save the day (or maybe not) at the end of the term.

Components

• Characters: Experiment with vocal and physical expression to create an original character.
• Creative Voice: Assume a variety of roles in a creative development process to generate new ideas for a live presentation.
• Collaboration: Work with a group to develop a new concept into a short live presentation.

Term 4: Making Connections

Immerse yourself in new plays for young people from near and far. Develop your stage presence as you learn to analyse and interpret scripts, connecting voice, movement, and acting skills to bring characters to life. Work in a welcoming environment with experienced NIDA Open teaching artists who will guide you through script work, rehearsals, and stagecraft. Present rehearsed scenes and monologues for family and friends with your NIDA ensemble.

Components

• Text analysis: Interpret and bring to life through the application of acting technique a short written text for live performance.
• Stage Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a performance.
• Performance: Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a short scripted, live presentation.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.