Courses to challenge and engage young people Grades 7-12
NIDA Open offers a range of courses and experiences for young people in Grades 7-12 across a variety of disciplines. From one-day short courses to residency and studio programs there is a course to suit all young people from the curious beginner to the young artists seeking pre-professional training.
With courses in drama, acting on screen, musical theatre, writing, filmmaking and public speaking there are opportunities to develop communication and ensemble skills through creative collaboration, explore creative potential and engage in contemporary practice-based skills training.
Our teaching artists are experienced industry professionals who expertly create an environment where young people can embrace creative challenges and find a connection with likeminded peers.
Courses are run in school holidays and across term time in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
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
Embark on an immersive hands-on learning experience as you explore your interests in acting, musical theatre, costume design, writing, and filmmaking in courses designed to inspire and challenge you. Whether it’s a two-day workshop or an intensive two-week Residency, our holiday courses offer a gateway to creativity across a range of exciting disciplines.
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.
Extended Learning
Explore our intensive pre-professional training courses for adults and young people in Grades 11-12.
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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Costume Design 101
It was an amazing course really, informative and presented well. Engaging and fun. My favourite part was getting hands-on with fabrics.
Student
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Acting for Stage & Screen
5/5 Meeting the other people and the teacher. I enjoyed everything about the course, meeting other people and the teacher. My mum said the staff were very helpful when she called to enquire.
Student
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Acting Boot Camp
I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to improvise and got the chance to work with some amazing people.
Student
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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The majority of NIDA Open courses are open to all. Performance Lab and Studios and Residencies for Young People require an audition, interview or written application.
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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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NIDA Open courses help you discover whether a career in the entertainment industry is right for you, what aspect of the entertainment industry suits you best, and whether NIDA full-time training is the next step to take. For details regarding the application for NIDA Higher Education, please visit the NIDA website. (link)
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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.
