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The National School of Drama (NSD) is a premier institution for theatre education and is located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, with the aim of promoting theatre education and creating a platform for Indian theatre.
Admission to NSD
Admission to NSD is through a rigorous selection process that includes a written test, a practical test, and an interview. The written test assesses the candidate’s knowledge of theatre history, literature, and theory. The practical test assesses the candidate’s acting skills, including voice, movement, and improvisation. The interview assesses the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the course.
Courses offered by NSD
NSD offers a range of courses in theatre education, including a three-year diploma course in dramatic arts, a two-year postgraduate diploma course in dramatic arts, and short-term courses in theatre appreciation, acting, and design. The diploma courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in theatre, including practical training in acting, voice and speech, movement, and stagecraft. The short-term courses are designed for those who wish to pursue a specific area of theatre education.
Fee structure
The fee structure for NSD courses varies depending on the course and the student’s category. For the three-year diploma course, the fee for Indian students is Rs ८,500 per annum, while the fee for the application form for admission to the National School of Drama is only Rs 50. (Fee structure may change, please refer to the official website).
Alumni of NSD
NSD has a rich legacy of producing some of the finest theatre practitioners in India. Its alumni include notable actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Anupam Kher, and Irrfan Khan, among others. Many alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to the Indian theatre industry and have also made a mark in the film industry.
Facilities at NSD
NSD provides state-of-the-art facilities to its students, including a well-equipped theatre library, a spacious auditorium, rehearsal rooms, and a costume and prop department. The school also has a hostel facility for outstation students.
The theatre library at NSD has a vast collection of books, journals, and audiovisual material related to theatre, providing students with a comprehensive resource to enhance their knowledge and understanding of theatre.
The spacious auditorium at NSD can accommodate up to 200 people and is equipped with modern lighting and sound systems. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their skills and talents.
The rehearsal rooms at NSD are designed to provide students with practical training in acting, voice, and movement. The rooms are equipped with mirrors, ballet bars, and other equipment to facilitate the students’ training.
The costume and prop department at NSD provides students with access to a wide range of costumes and props to enhance their understanding of stagecraft and design.
Community Outreach
NSD is actively involved in community outreach programs to promote theatre education and create awareness about the importance of theatre in society. The school organizes workshops, seminars, and theatre festivals in different parts of the country to engage with the local community and promote cultural exchange.
NSD also has a mobile theatre unit that travels to remote and rural areas to perform plays and engage with the local community. This initiative is aimed at creating awareness about theatre and providing access to quality theatre performances to people living in remote and underserved areas.
Collaborations
NSD has collaborated with several national and international theatre institutions to promote cultural exchange and enhance theatre education. It has signed MoUs with several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, New York, and the Moscow Art Theatre School, among others.
The National School of Drama is a premier institution for theatre education and has been at the forefront of promoting Indian theatre for over six decades. Its rigorous selection process, comprehensive curriculum, and highly qualified faculty make it one of the best theatre schools in the country. With its rich legacy of producing some of the finest theatre practitioners in India, NSD continues to inspire and shape the future of Indian theatre.
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