New confidence for a New Year withNIDA’s summer classes for adults
Many of us make New Year’s Resolutions that involve ‘seizing the day’ and pursuing our passions, but are held back by a lack of confidence.
Perhaps acting classes can help— participants in the National Institute of Dramatic Art’s program of short courses (NIDA Open), held in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra, have afterward reported increased confidence across many areas of their lives – both on stage and off.
Madeleine, age 25, who took NIDA Open’s Musical Theatre Techniques course in Melbourne, said, ‘I was pleasantly surprised [at] how the course taught me to have confidence in my own talents and to believe in myself…
‘This NIDA Open course was honestly one of the best things I have done in my life. It has changed my outlook on my life and given me the confidence to follow my passions.’
This changed outlook wasn’t confined to life on the stage.
Madeleine continued, ‘The course was a life-changing experience not only from a musical theatre perspective, but also on a personal level as [our tutor] encouraged us to be determined, confident and to believe in our own abilities.’
Similarly, Deirdre, age 51, who took NIDA Open’s Acting Essentials class in Brisbane, said, ‘I really feel like [our tutor] helped me be a better performer- even in such a short course- and even a better person just for having had this experience.
‘There are things that I will remember and carry forward with me for the rest of my life.’
Perhaps the key is that in NIDA Open’s acting courses, tutors work hard to ensure that even the shyest students step out of their comfort zone and take creative risks— and some of those students are able to carry that newfound confidence into other areas of their personal and professional lives.
As Adelina, age 19, who took NIDA Open’s Acting Essentials course in Sydney, expressed, ‘[Our tutor] pushed everyone in the class to be brave. I had a lot of fun and I got to step out of my comfort zone a lot.’
Lulu, age 26, who took NIDA Open’s Acting Essentials course in Melbourne, explained, ‘I signed up for this on a whim thinking [that] if I don’t do it now I never will. I am so happy I did, and feel so lucky I had this opportunity…
‘[Our tutor] was so engaged with everyone the whole time. He did not lose focus and gave every person in the room a chance to explore, improve and stand tall.’
With so many testimonials reporting the positive effects of NIDA’s short courses carrying into people’s lives off-stage and off-camera, perhaps it’s time for people who don’t intend to ever tread the boards to trial an acting class.
As a 34-year-old female student in Sydney explained, ‘Having no drama experience whatsoever… [we learnt that] making a fool of ourselves is okay.’
It shows that an environment that rewards adults for being vulnerable, taking risks, being open and being brave, has positive after-effects. This is what is felt by so many of NIDA Open’s adult acting students, who report new energy and positive outlooks infusing all aspects of their life.
A student from NIDA Open’s TV Presenting class was able to state unequivocally, ‘I have found my confidence, motivation and drive again.’
These sound like just the right ingredients for a strong 2020, no matter what goals you’ve made.
From acting toset design, costume design and more, see what NIDA Open is offering for adults in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne this summer.
More information: open.nida.edu.au/adults-courses
