Founding: The National School of Drama was established on October 5, 1959, by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The first Director of NSD was Ebrahim Alkazi, a renowned theatre director.
Location: NSD’s main campus is located in Mandi House, New Delhi, near India Gate. It is situated in the heart of the city and is easily accessible.
Three-Year Course: NSD offers a full-time, three-year postgraduate diploma course in dramatic arts. The course provides comprehensive training in acting, direction, stagecraft, theatre history, and theory, among other aspects of theatre.
Repertory Company: NSD has a repertory company known as the National School of Drama Repertory Company. It consists of talented actors who have graduated from NSD and are actively involved in theatre productions and performances.
Alumni: NSD has produced numerous successful actors, directors, playwrights, and other theatre professionals who have made significant contributions to the Indian and international theatre industry. Some notable alumni include Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav, and many others.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav: NSD organizes an annual theatre festival called “Bharat Rang Mahotsav.” It is one of the largest and most prestigious theatre festivals in India, attracting theatre groups from all over the country and around the world.
Outreach Programs: NSD conducts various outreach programs and theatre workshops across India to promote theatre and nurture talent in different regions.
Regional Centers: Apart from its main campus in New Delhi, NSD has established regional centers in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Gangtok (Sikkim), and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). These centers conduct short-term theatre courses and workshops to cater to a broader audience.
International Collaboration: NSD collaborates with theatre institutions and organizations from other countries, facilitating cultural exchange and international exposure for its students and faculty.
Awards and Recognitions: The National School of Drama has received numerous awards and accolades for its contribution to the field of theatre education and performance.