What is NSDF?

"It was at NSDF that I first saw what theatre could do and what it could be" (David Farr, Aritistic Director Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith)

The National Student Drama Festival is a week-long celebration of theatre, live performance, discussion and special events. NSDF09 offers you the chance to attend workshops and discussions coveering all aspects of theatre and performance including acting, dance, writing, directing, designing, devising and producing. Practitioners come from all over the world and there are opportunities to take part in performances even if you are not part of a selected show. In previous years we have had workshops led by: Mike Bradwell, Brian Cox, Ken Campbell, Stephen Daldry, Tim Fountain, John Godber, Stephen Jeffreys, Mike Leigh, Phylidda Lloyd, Mark Ravenhill, Simon Russell Beale, Sandi Toksvig and Timothy West to name but a few.

"The festival genuinely noutishes and empowers real passion, energy and talent." (Ronald Pickup, Actor)

Enter a production

If you are a student or have been a student within the last year, aged sixteen or over and working on a production bewteen now and 20th February 2009 you can enter your show. If you are a director withon two years of graduation you can also enter a show. If you enter a show, NSDF will send a selector who will see your show and give feedback, help and advise.

Download an entry form here.

If your production is selected for the festival it will be seen by over 100 professionals and 650 students from all over the UK, interested in  every sort of sort of performance. There are also a host of awards including The Sunday Times Playwriting Award and the Spotlight Acting Awards.

"The National Student Drama Festival played a crucial role in my life by providing me with that all-important first professional job." (Polly Teale, Shared Experience)

Buy a subscription ticket

Even if you have do not have a show selected for NSDF09, you can still buy a subscription ticket either as an individual or as part of a group. You'll meet hundreds of like-minded people and inspirational theatre makers. A subscription ticket gives access to all the shows, workshops, masterclasses, music and comedy and is probably the best way to enjoy the festival.

Order your tickets with this form.

For over fifty years, NSDF has been a launch pad for many of today's biggest names in theatre and the arts. So whether you want to work in theatre, learn more or simply come along and have a great time, NSDF09 is the place to be.

"The best bits were the workshops with Jane Howell and Mike Alfreds, and mixing it up with other students from around the country." Roger Michell, Director of Enduring Love, Notting Hill and My Night with Reg.

Scarborough

NSDF takes place in Scarborough every year. Click here to find out about the venues accommodation and transport.

"A beautiful setting for NSDF and the buzz is fantastic. It's a great opportunity to meet everybody and who will be somebody in the theatre of tomorrow while learning from those who think they are somebody in the theatre of today." Mike Bradwell, former artistic director, The Bush Theatre.

Technical

If you are interested in technical theatre then join the NSDF techncial team and have the chance to gain experience of all aspects of backstage work, from building a venue to opperating moving lights. Every year the Stphe Joseph Theatre looks to award a paid production placement to a member of the NSDF team. Click here to find out more.

"I also realised that my desire to work as a collaborative has been powered all this time by a struggle to get back to what I discovered at the NSDF. There needn't be barriers bewteen artists and technicians and I'm here to prove it." (Paul Arditi, Sound Designer) 

Noises Off

Noises Off is the NSDF's own daily magazine, which is supported by professional critics including Robert Hewison and Ian Shuttleworth. Anyone at NSDF can submit reviews and features throughout the week. Click here to find out more.