Q. Tell me about your organization?
A. National School of Drama (NSD) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, established in 1959 to meet the growing need for developing a National Theatre in India. The School has two performing wings – i) The NSD Repertory Company (Repertory) which does professional and experimental theatre in and around the country and also abroad, ii) Theatre-in-Education Company (Sanskaar Rang Toli), which is purely devoted to educate children and perform children plays in and around the country and also abroad.

The School also has an extension program, a publication program, TIE for children, an annual festival, and regular performances.

Q. What is the duration of your course?
A. It is a three year course leading to post graduate diploma in dramatic arts.

Q. What are the qualifications required?
A. The candidate should be a graduate in any discipline with at least 10 years experience in stage productions and must not exceed 30 years of age.

Q. I am a graduate but I do not have relevant experience in theatre what should I do?
A. National School of Drama is an government institution and has set parameters for selection of candidates, failing which results in a cancellation of candidature. The set parameters are therefore essential and must be fulfilled for admission to the course.

Q. Is this course recognized?
A.The Diploma in Dramatic Arts has been recognized by the Government of India for the purpose of recruitment to superior posts and services under the Central Government, where specialization in the field of Dramatics is required. It has also been equated with an M.A. Degree in Dramatics by the Association of Indian Universities for appointment as teachers in colleges and universities and for the purpose of registration to Ph.D.

Q. What is the maximum number of times that I can apply?
A. Not more than three times.

Q. Where should I get the relevant experience in theatre if I am new to this field?
A. There are many courses run by many theatre institutions, amateur groups and theatre persons around the country. Please consult them and work under their supervision and guidance till you achieve the set parameters.

Q. What is required to get into the Repertory?
A. Repertory is a professional performing wing of NSD and recruitment for artists (casual) is advertised in the leading newspapers around the country.

Q. Is it necessary that I should be an NSD graduate to get into Repertory?
A. No, it is not necessary. It is based on talent and your experience.

Q. Does NSD offer any courses for undergraduates?
A. Yes, from time to time the Extension Program conducts Acting / Production workshops with candidates who are undergraduates in various parts of the county. For more details you can see the current activity of Extension Program.

Q. Is there any course for children?
A. Yes, National School of Drama’s wing Theatre-in-Education or Sanskaar Rang Toli conducts workshops in summers and also continues these workshops around the year with Sunday club and Saturday club workshops. Children between the age group of 8 to 16 can participate in the workshops.

Q. Are children workshops done in NSD?
A. There are many centers all around Delhi including NSD. Preference is given to candidates according to their choice and availability of seats.

Q. Is there any fees?
A. Yes there is a nominal fee to get enrolled in Children’s workshop. It is advertised from time to time in leading newspapers and media.