DRAMA EXPERIENCE
A group of budding actors had the chance to brush up on their performance skills over the school holidays, participating in acting workshops with NIDA at Townsville Grammar School.
The workshop has been held at the school for many years, with numerous Townsville Grammar students going on to study at the renowned drama academy.
Workshop participants Xanthe Lamari, 16, and Ekaansh Gautam, 13, said the experience had been positive and a lot of fun.
“We worked with movement, trying to create a story with our bodies, and we did a whole-class ensemble piece,” Xanthe said.
“We were also doing improv on the first day, trying to work as an ensemble and create something really cool.”
Ekaansh added: “It’s a different experience to what we would normally do at school, there’s a variety of different things that we’re learning.
“Drama is interesting and fun, and if you have a major role in a movie or a production you could influence people as an actor.
“We’ve learned so much.”
NIDA communications director Aniqa Mannan said there was more to a career in theatre than just being on the stage.
“Australia’s most prestigious drama school is best known for its world-renowned actor training, but NIDA also offers equally intensive specialised degrees in costume-making, prop-making, set and costume design for stage and screen, musical theatre, set construction, and technical theatre (lighting and sound) and stage management,” she said.
“Gifted young people have many opportunities in the film, TV and theatre industry behind the scenes, all of which NIDA also trains for.”