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: Sing, Act, Dance – Repeat!

Imagine a day that repeats itself over… and over… and over again! Explore improvisation techniques to develop original scenes, where every day gets stuck in a loop! Working with NIDA Open teaching artists, extend your acting and singing technique with musical numbers from Groundhog Day. Discover how improvisation technique equips musical theatre performers to respond in the moment with creativity and spontaneity. Bring each new “day” to life with your NIDA Open friends in our dynamic, ensemble-learning environment. Turn déjà vu into something new!

Components

• Freeing the Imagination: Grow confidence through exercises that promote spontaneity and creative expression.
• Voice and Song: Explore vocal range and dexterity with singing technique.
• Collaboration: Incorporate and develop shared ideas into a live presentation.

Term 2: Home-Grown Musical

Dive into the vibrant world of home-grown musical theatre! Extend your voice and movement skills with scenes and songs from shows including Muriel’s Wedding and Fangirls. Explore techniques to bring characters to life with authenticity and flair as you discover the Australian voice. Have fun as you tap into the unique charm of Aussie storytelling!

Components

• Voice and Song: Apply singing technique to develop confidence for a live audience.
• Physical Awareness: Develop basic dance skills through physical technique, exercises and movement training.
• Performance Skill: Experiment with specific voice and physical choices to influence character, vocal quality and performance.

Term 3: The Hero’s Journey

Brave knights, formidable queens, jovial jesters—assemble! Embark on an epic adventure inspired by the medieval world of the musical series Galavant. Explore devising and storytelling techniques to craft an original story, featuring heroic tales and whimsical songs. Extend your singing and acting skills in ensemble-centered training and immerse yourself in a journey of creativity and camaraderie. Bring your inner hero to life in a presentation for family and friends at the end of term. Let the adventure begin!

Components

• Creative Expression: Take a variety of roles in a creative development process to generate ideas and concepts for a new live presentation.
• Staging: Consider staging techniques and learn musical performance stagecraft.
• Performance Practice: Apply acting and singing practice to a short devised musical presentation.

Term 4: Battle of the Ballads

It’s time to bring down the house as you step into the spotlight and sing some of musical theatre’s most iconic ballads. Explore NIDA acting techniques to shape authentic characters and develop your solo and ensemble singing technique. Work with expert teaching artists and discover how applying text analysis to song lyrics creates dynamic storytelling and connected performances. Let your voice soar as you experience the emotional core of every song.

Components

• Text Interpretation: Explore text analysis to communicate the meaning and story of a song.
• Acting Technique: Explore characterisation and the application of NIDA acting technique to a musical theatre performance.
• Staging: Consider staging techniques, learn and apply performance craft.

For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.