Drama for Grades 3-6, Parramatta
Practical skill-based learning in the performing arts led by industry experts with a focus on personal and creative development.
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 one Improvisation and Performance Craft
Term two Voice and Movement
Term three Devising and Contemporary Performance
Term four Script Work and Staging
Term 1, 2024: Inventors' Workshop
Create your own wacky inventions inspired by the crazy and unlikely scenarios of children's author, Andy Griffiths. Explore improvisation techniques to unlock your imagination as you road test your creations! Present your wildest inventions and stories at the end of term.
Course components
- Craft: Participate in improvised scene work to develop basic acting technique.
- Freeing the Imagination: Develop new stories, ideas and adventures through improvisational exercises and techniques.
- Ensemble: Work as part of a team to achieve a shared goal through performance.
Term 2, 2024: Land Ahoy!
Embark on a thrilling sea escapade where pirates, mermaids, and mysterious sea creatures await. Develop physical and vocal dexterity as you explore sea shanties and deep sea soundscapes each week. Take family and friends on an end-of-term voyage - ALL ABOARD!
Course components
- Vocal Expression: Learn how the voice works and develop vocal confidence in a live performance setting.
- Physical Awareness: Take command of your physical presence on stage. Practice movement and performance skills through physical games, exercises and training.
- Performance : Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a short group presentation.
Term 3, 2024: Only 5 Minutes Until...
What if there was only 5 minutes until the portal back to your world closed forever? Or till your house was swallowed by a sinkhole? Or your boat went over the enormous waterfall? What would you do? Learn how to devise high stakes scenarios as you race against the clock to save yourself and keep your audience on the edge of their seats.
Course components
- Physical Awareness: Take command of your physical presence on stage. Practice movement and performance skills through physical exercises and training.
- Creative Expression: Participate in fun and engaging performance exercises, learn how to develop and share your original ideas with others.
- Collaboration: Incorporate and develop shared ideas into a live presentation.
Term 4, 2024: Animal Crackers
From the Fantastic Mr. Fox to the wise Bagheera, some of our best loved stories are told by unique animal characters. Discover how to analyse texts and explore backstories to uncover their human qualities. Develop stagecraft skills as you bring their stories to life and share your scripted scenework at the end of term in a rehearsed presentation.
Course components
- Text Analysis: Interpret and bring to life a short written text for live performance.
- Stage Craft: Consider the elements that contribute to the physical realisation of a performance.
- Performance: Apply acting, voice and movement practice to a short scripted, live presentation.
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.
This course has no current classes. Please join the waiting list