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 Public Speaking and Communication courses are designed across a four term structure within the following learning framework: 

Term 1 Improvisation and Presentation Craft 
Term 2 Voice and Movement 
Term 3 Devising and Contemporary Practice 
Term 4 Script Work and Technique 

Term 1: In the Hot Seat!

Take your place in the hot seat! Explore improvisation techniques to develop skills in impromptu speaking and build your confidence to respond “on-the-spot” with creativity and poise. Working closely with NIDA Open teaching artists, you’ll extend your abilities to think on your feet and respond in the moment in an authentic, genuine manner. Gain invaluable public-speaking experience as you stay cool under pressure!

Components

• Improvisation: Learn improvisation techniques to enhance your performance.
• Confidence: Develop your confidence when speaking in front of an audience.
• Presenting: Understand and apply live presenting techniques.

Term 2: Power in the Moment

Discover how to bring elements of voice and body together to communicate with clarity, confidence and impact. Develop vocal technique and physical presence, and learn how breath connects to text to help you stay calm, centered and in command. Apply your skills to deliver a compelling speech from powerful texts for young people. Engage your public speaking skills in a dynamic classroom environment and embrace the power of presence, as you step into the moment and transform your performance.

Components

• Vocal Expression: Investigate effective vocal technique.
• Physical Awareness: Learn the essentials of physical preparation for tension-free alignment and effective breath work.
• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a short text for live presentation.

Term 3: Imagine a World

Imagine a world where you are Mayor for the day. With you in charge, what would you stand for? Explore the edges of your imagination as you develop your storytelling technique to devise an original speech. Discover effective public speaking techniques and explore strategies to create and present a compelling argument. Convince your audience that you are the right person for the job, and that with you as their leader – anything is possible!

Components

• Storytelling: Explore stories and ideas through group and individual exercises.
• Communication: Learn strategies to deliver powerful speeches that will engage a variety of audiences.
• Writing for Presentation: Discover how to effectively research content and use it to construct a speech.

Term 4: Verse and Voice

Delve into the world of poetry and verse and explore the playful nature of lyrical language. Discover how text analysis can breathe life into each line, and dynamic presentation techniques can transform text into captivating speech. Unleash the poet within and delight your audience with every word!

Components

• Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life an existing text for live presentation.
• Presenting: Understand and apply live presenting techniques.
• Rehearsal and Evaluation: Learn how to practise and gain feedback through a development and rehearsal process.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.