Acting on Screen Grades 11-12, Chatswood
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 Acting on Screen 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 Practice
Term four Script Work and Technique
Term 1, 2024: Read Between the Lines
Get camera-ready as you develop the technical skills required to give your best on-screen performance every time. Use improvisation as a rehearsal tool and record a variety of well-known TV and film scripts. Discover the role spontaneity plays alongside the technical elements of your on-screen performance.
Course components
- Spontaneity: Apply improvisation techniques to a scripted on-screen performance.
- Collaboration: Collaborate as part of a team in recorded performance exercises.
- Technique: Learn and apply fundamental screen acting techniques.
Term 2, 2024: Just Breathe
The on-set experience can be challenging and actors often forget to 'just breathe'. Explore vocal techniques to focus your breathing, steady your nerves and deliver grounded on-screen performances in high pressure situations. Shoot scenes, review playback and discover what it is to be an actor in control of their breath.
Course components
- Physical awareness: Explore techniques that allow you to be more physically present in performance.
- Voice: Identify strategies for engaging the voice in delivery
- Performance skill – Apply specific voice and movement choices to influence character and performance.
Term 3, 2024: One Shot
Inspired by scenes from Birdman, Boiling Point and The Bear, work with a NIDA Open Teaching Artist to devise, perform, and shoot the perfect one shot. Explore camera technique and collaboration as you navigate your way around the scene. Share your live shoot to family and friends at the conclusion of your course.
Course components
- Collaboration: Work as an ensemble to create and construct engaging shot compositions.
- Technical skill: Adopt various roles on set and gain an understanding of screen crews responsibilities.
- Contemporary practice: Collaborate with your NIDA Open Teaching Artist and devise an original piece of film.
Term 4, 2024: Got the Job!
Explore character development in a TV series. Work with your NIDA Open Teaching Artist to apply Stanislavskian acting techniques to one of your favourite characters. Learn textual analysis and develop your character within a series arc. Shoot selected scenes from different episodes and see how your creative choices develop the story.
Course components
- Rehearsal and evaluation: Rehearse and perform a selection of scenes from a popular TV series to camera.
- Acting technique: Use Stanislavski technique to develop a character over a series arc.
- Technique: Practice acting to camera techniques. Discover the difference between live and recorded performance craft.
Important information
- Please read our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
- Flights and Accommodation: From time to time we may need to cancel an advertised course. Before booking flights and accommodation for travel to attend a NIDA Open course, please contact the NIDA Open office to confirm if your course will proceed as planned. NIDA does not accept liability for any associated costs of attendance or cancellation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in for all drama and performance related courses. Clothing that restricts movement is inappropriate.
- Please wear closed-in shoes. Shoes may be removed in the rehearsal room on the direction of the class tutor.
- Please bring along a pen, notebook and bottle of water to all classes.
- If you are running late to collect your child, please call NIDA reception on 02 9697 7600. NIDA will only provide supervision during advertised course times.
- NIDA staff will supervise students in courses for Grades 3 to 10 during breaks. These students will not be permitted to leave the advertised venue without parental permission.
- Students in courses for Grades 11 and 12 will not be supervised during breaks and are free to leave the venue at designated break times should they wish.
Enrol for the full year in advance to receive a 15% discount off the full price!
- Discount is only applicable when booking all four terms within the same calendar year.
- Discount is not available online. Please book over the phone by calling the office on 1300 450 417 to receive the discount.
- If students do not attend all four terms, the discount is no longer valid.