Andy Stewart, Business Manager of the NIDA Open Program says “We are very pleased to be coming to Walla Walla to work with country kids and drama professionals. We understand how difficult it is for rural and regional students to access workshops offered in the cities, particularly given the drought conditions country areas have been experiencing for so long.”
“Drama develops collaboration, vocal quality, physical ease, creativity, theatre appreciation, and self-confidence. The Open Program gives access to quality youth-focused teaching, which encourages the uniqueness of every individual,” said Mr Stewart. “Our tutors are really looking forward to working with a broad range of personalities and helping kids build their skills and confidence.”
As well as workshops for secondary school students, professional tutors from NIDA will also be conducting a professional development day for teachers and other drama professionals and a 2 day workshop for primary school children. The secondary school workshops complement the NSW Drama Curriculum.
Mayor of GHSC, Cr Denise Osborne is very keen to welcome students, teachers and others from all round the regional to Walla Walla for the workshops and emphasises that the workshops are open to all interested people and not limited to residents of Greater Hume.
“We are pleased to be able to extend an invitation to anyone interested in participating in the workshops and of course by doing so they would be utilising this fantastic opportunity to be involved in a NIDA workshop without the need to travel to a capital city.” said Cr Osborne.
“This is a great opportunity for any rural or regional student interested in drama and we are very excited that, thanks to funding through Arts NSW Country Arts Support program and ArtStart NSW Youth Art &Skills Festival, we are able to provide such an experience for our country kids” stated Cr Osborne.
Karen Gardner, General Manager of Murray Arts is also excited by the prospect of regional and rural workshops conducted by NIDA. “It’s fantastic that there is a professional development opportunity as part of the drama camp. It is a great opportunity for teachers and other drama professionals to participate in workshops with tutors from NIDA, and means that the benefits continue to flow long after the workshops”.
The intensive workshops are being held for 3 days in the NSW October school holidays. The professional development day is on Sunday 11th October, and the student workshops from Monday 12th October to Wednesday 14th October.
For enrolment information pack please contact Libby Ellis Greater Hume Shire Community Development Officer on 6029 8588