Courses to nurture the creative spirit of children Grades K-6
The NIDA Open children’s program offers exciting opportunities for your child to explore their imagination and develop skills to boost self-confidence and communication, focus energy, work in a team and make new friends.
With courses in drama, musical theatre, writing, storytelling, acting on screen and public speaking our diverse courses have something for all young creatives.
Our teaching artists are experienced industry professionals who expertly create a fun environment where children can embrace creative challenges and find a connection with likeminded peers.
Courses are run during school holidays and term time in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Term Courses
NIDA Open provides a fun and supportive learning environment with a focus on personal and creative development. The term program is designed to suit a range of experience levels and interests, offering courses in a variety of disciplines including drama, acting on screen, singing and acting, and public speaking.
Holiday Courses
From the enchanting worlds of Roald Dahl, Harry Potter and Neverland to the action-packed adventures of ninjas, superheroes and popstars, our holiday courses are designed to engage children in active embodied learning in collaborative and inclusive classrooms.
Term 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. Courses are designed across a four-term structure within the following learning framework:
Term One: Improvisation and performance craft
Term Two: Voice and movement
Term Three: Devising and contemporary performance
Term Four: Script work and staging
Students are able to join us at the start of any term during the year.
UPCOMING COURSES
View AllOur Learning Environment
NIDA is committed to providing a creative environment that is inclusive, encouraging and safe for all children and young people who engage in our programs across Australia.
TESTIMONIALS
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Screen Acting Boot Camp Grades 3-6
My son is the shyest person I have ever met yet he wants to be an actor. My husband and I have been worried about getting him into acting classes because he is so shy. But he LOVED IT so he will definitely do every NIDA course at Campbelltown offered from now on.
Parent
Parent, Campbelltown NSW
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NIDA Neverland
The entire program is so well run, efficient, safe, constructive. All the teachers have just been fantastic. Very impressed and I love taking Scarlett there as much as she loves going.
Parent
Grades K-2, Kensington
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Screen Acting Boot Camp
Thank you so much for an excellent weekend workshop! My daughter learned a lot, developed confidence in meeting new people and speaking to an audience, and most importantly, had lots of fun.
Parent
Parent, Grades 3-6, Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most of our courses for Children and Young People conclude with an Open Sessions. Open Sessions occur in the final 30 minutes of the last day of the course and provide an opportunity for family and friends to step into our classrooms to see a selection of the teaching and learning that has taken place throughout the course.
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Photography and digital recordings are permitted however the publishing and sharing of these images in the media, including social media, is not permitted unless written consent is provided by the parent or guardian of all students featured in the image.
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NIDA issues a Certificate of Attendance for all courses for Children and Young People. Studio students receive a Certificate of Achievement provided the minimum attendance requirements are met.
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Students in grades 10 and under are supervised during breaks at all times and cannot leave the venue without written parental permission. Students in courses for grades 11 and over are not supervised at break times and are free to leave the campus should they wish. Students must inform their tutor or a member of NIDA staff if they are not planning on returning to class after a break.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing for any performance related course. Clothes that restrict movement are inappropriate – no high heels, short skirts or jeans. Wear closed toe shoes that can be removed in the rehearsal room. Design and technical courses may take place in workshop areas or in theatres, and to access these areas you need to wear closed toe footwear (shoes or boots). Students in grades 7-12 should bring a notepad, something to write with and/or a device or tablet to take notes. You will need to bring all of your food and refreshments. There is a cafe open on site.
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NIDA arranges your enrolment and tuition. You need to make your own arrangements for travel or, if appropriate, for accommodation. Please call the office to confirm the course is going ahead before confirming your travel bookings. You will need to bring all of your food and refreshments. There is a cafe open on site.
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Term courses focus on a different skill set each term, providing a holistic and practice-based approach to personal creative development. Our engaging learning environment supports children and young people at every stage. Our teaching artists are professionally trained, employed in the performing arts industry and engage in regular professional development with NIDA. Parents are invited to attend a short session on the last day of delivery to observe the class work.
There is also a Studio Program that includes performance outcomes, personalised feedback and a rigorous approach to performing arts training suitable for ages 15-18 years.
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We groups students as state education departments do, by school year level or grade. So if your child is in Grade 5 at school, they could enrol in a grade 3-6, 4-6 or 5-6 course. Parents of students who are home-schooled or attend international schools should contact us to discuss the best option for their child.
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Please telephone us on 1300 450 417 or email [email protected], if you would like to discuss any aspect of your course. We are committed to ensuring the highest possible standard of our customer service and training.
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You can contact us one week prior to the commencement of the course to find out who is teaching. Please keep in mind that at times it is necessary for us to make staffing changes at short notice.
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Please refer to information regarding terms and conditions for details about transfers, refunds and cancellations.
