Overview

Build confidence, work as a team, and develop creative storytelling. In engaging and dynamic classrooms, we will explore a variety of performance techniques that are exciting, fun, and foster personal growth and self-expression.

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 can 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: The Thinks You Can Do

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Create your own imagined scenarios through improvisation inspired by the playful rhymes and madcap characters of Dr. Seuss’s universe. Spark your imagination and create classroom adventures and share your newfound performance skills with friends and family at the end of the course.

Components

• Freeing the Imagination: Participate in fun and engaging exercises and activities that promote spontaneity, creative expression and self-confidence.
• Technique: Introduction to improvisation concepts.
• Storytelling: Explore storytelling through group and individual improvisation.

Term 2: Garden Safari

Buzz, crawl, and flutter your way through a garden safari as you discover the fascinating creatures hiding in your backyard! Create unique characters inspired by your favorite insects and creepy crawlies, and explore voice and movement skills through imaginative storytelling. Develop your confidence and creativity as you bring your garden creatures to life and share your tales of adventure with family and friends.

Components

• Vocal Expression: Participate in fun and engaging exercises and activities that promote vocal expressiveness and confidence.
• Collaboration: Engage with and develop the ideas of others in your class.
• Performance Skill: Experiment with voice and movement choices as part of a short, live presentation

Term 3: Where in the World?

Journey to the far reaches of the globe as you explore traditional tales from diverse cultures! Devise your own unique stories with your NIDA Open friends, inspired by the people and places that shape our incredible planet. Ignite your creativity and develop your storytelling skills. Invite family and friends to follow you on your global storytelling journey at the end of term.

Components

• Creative Voice: Participate in fun and engaging exercises and activities to develop new ideas and learn how to share them with others.
• Storytelling: Explore stories, ideas and adventures through group and individual improvisation.
• Performance and collaboration: Work with others to build a creative idea into a short, devised presentation.

Term 4: Help…I’ve got Imaginitis!

Beware—Imaginitis is contagious! What would you do if you caught it? Based on Nick Bland’s beloved children’s story When Henry Caught Imaginitis, create original characters, rehearse fantastical scenes and craft your own story in a collaborative classroom where everyone belongs! Develop your performance skills and confidence and share a delightful dose of imagination with family and friends when you present your favorite scenes at the end of term!

Components

• The Written Word: Learn how to turn a story into live performance.
• Stage Craft: Practice live performance skills; speaking in front of an audience, basic stage craft, audience and performance etiquette.
• Performance: Rehearse and present a short live performance.

Prerequisites

Children must be enrolled in full time formal education to participate in these classes. 

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.