NSD’s Programme for Children
“Do your children have an interest in acting? If yes, do you know that the National School of Drama (NSD) runs special programmes for children? These include courses like Summer Camp and Sunday Club Part 1, 2, and 3. Eligible children may even receive scholarships from the government. On these topics, Parimal Kumar, Founder of KIDDOCRACY, had an exclusive conversation with NSD’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Prakash Jha.”
Theater In Education (TIE)
When asked what programmes NSD offers for young children interested in acting from an early age, Mr. Prakash Jha explained that NSD has a special branch called Theater In Education (TIE), known in Hindi as Sanskar Rang Toli. This branch includes senior theatre-trained students who are keen to work with children.
These trained artists travel to different places to perform plays, igniting interest in drama and acting among children. All productions by Sanskar Rang Toli are specially created for children—performed by adults for children.
Summer Camp
Mr. Jha shared that NSD not only teaches acting through theatre but also aims to shape children into good human beings. During the summer holidays, NSD organises a month-long Summer Theatre Workshop, commonly known as the Summer Camp, at 7–8 locations across Delhi and NCR.
Children between 8 and 16 years participate and are grouped based on age:
1. 8–10 years
2. 10–12 years
3. 12–14 years
4. 14–16 years
This ensures children learn with peers of similar age and mental development.
The camp typically runs from 8 AM to around 12 or 12:30 PM. Activities include painting, singing, speaking confidently, and—most importantly—observing things around them. Children are also taught life values like respecting family relationships, caring for grandparents, and helping at home.
Throughout the month, each group discusses real-life issues and develops a story together. At the end of the camp, they collaboratively perform a play. Teachers only guide them—the entire creation is done by the children.
Sunday Club: Part 1, 2 and 3
Children who perform well in the Summer Camp are selected for Sunday Club Part 1, where they receive advanced training. These sessions are held at NSD itself. If a child’s school is closed on Saturdays, they attend on Saturday; otherwise, on Sunday.
Afterwards, they can progress to Sunday Club Part 2 and Part 3. In this way, children between 8 and 16 years receive continuous theatre training, which later helps them in gaining admission to reputed institutions like Delhi University.
When Parimal asked if children can join Sunday Club Part 1 directly, Mr. Jha clarified that it’s not possible—participation in the Summer Camp is mandatory first.
First-Come, First-Served
Is there any test for Summer Camp admission?
Mr. Jha replied, “Why test children? We follow a ‘first-come, first-served’ rule. Since our resources are limited, we cannot accommodate too many. Those who apply early get in; those who come late may miss the chance.”
The camp usually begins around 15–16 May. Notifications are published on NSD’s website in early April, and interested parents should apply promptly.
Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
The Government of India offers scholarships and fellowships to encourage children. Parents can fill out the CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training) form. Eligible students can receive scholarships up to postgraduate level. In fact, individuals from age 8 to 80 can receive scholarships or fellowships based on various criteria.
Open to All
When asked whether children outside Delhi-NCR can apply, Mr. Jha said, “Yes, provided parents stay in Delhi with their children during the camp. Apart from Delhi, we also organise camps in Srinagar, Agartala, Sikkim, Bengaluru, and Varanasi. This year we even held one in Mumbai, which received an excellent response. Our Director is working to expand to even more cities.”
Concluding the conversation, Mr. Jha added, “Even Shah Rukh Khan was once part of the Summer Camp, and Mukesh Chhabra, one of today’s top casting directors, was once our teacher at the camp.”
