National Drama
Responding, Supporting, Leading
Fight the good fight with National Drama
We’ve all struggled to keep our subject going through several national lockdowns, and the theatre industry has taken a huge hit with over 12 months of closure. We now face more challenging times as the industry opens up and hopes to get audiences back through the doors, and we continue to fight for Drama’s place in school and HE curricula at a local and national level.
Please be reassured that National Drama is fighting for our subject in whatever way we can – this includes campaigning, responding to consultations, supporting teachers and industry colleagues by providing high quality CPD, promoting new initiatives in drama education such as use of technology, and ensuring our members and friends are kept informed of all opportunities and developments in teaching and learning.
What can you do? Help us in this fight by joining National Drama today, and get in touch with how we can help you as members: to support your development or your teaching practice; inspire you with ideas and resources; or promote you if you are an industry partner.
News
Help shape the future of digital education
Calling all teachers - National Drama and C&T need your ideas about the future of technology in the classroom.
ND Response to State Secretary Gavin Williamson’s Proposal to Slash Higher Education Funding to Performing Arts and C1.2 Subjects
National Drama is appalled by and extremely critical of the government’s latest proposal to halve funding to drama, music and creative academic subjects at higher education level.
Patron Jessica Hynes visits Drama students via Zoom – A visiting industry specialist and what it does to morale
Last month, Drama students at The Stonehenge School were lucky enough to have a Zoom visit with ND Patron, actor Jessica Hynes.
National Drama are presenting at the ASPIRE: The Power of the Arts to Transform Learners’ Lives Conference
National Drama are thrilled to be presenting a session at the ASPIRE conference - An international, online festival of education to promote the power of the Arts to inspire, unite, cheer, challenge and heal.
Mitchell’s Wings
The author of Mitchell's Wings, Johnny Carrington, whose book was reviewed in the recent issue of Drama magazine, has offered a 10% discount for members on sales of the book.
NEW CPD event – Free Q&A with Matthew Nichols
Booking is now open for National Drama's next secondary Drama CPD event, which is free for members and non-members- A Q&A with Drama education specialist and author, Matthew Nichols, Saturday 13th February, 10-11am.
National Drama Response: Review of Post-16 Qualifications at Level 3
Read National Drama's response to the Post-16 Qualifications at Level 3 Consultation here. We also encourage all members to submit their own response to the consultation, further information and links can be found here.
National Theatre Drama Teacher Conference
National Drama have submitted questions for the Performing in a Pandemic Panel at the NT Drama Teacher Conference, which will be held online 15-20th February 2021.
Philip Taylor: 1959 – 2020
Philip Taylor died on June 19, 2020, aged 60. Passionate about his work, Philip supported his colleagues just as he had been well nourished by his encouraging teachers.
Aine Lark
It is with a heavy and sad heart that I write to inform members, friends, patrons and Drama and Education people that Aine Lark, our ND Chair, has died. Our thoughts and loving condolences are with her husband Al, her family in Belfast and beyond, and her many friends and colleagues.
Resources and links to assist with distance learning
Learning Resources
The Paper Birds
Theatre creativity cards
Bitesize Playwriting
Bitesize Playwriting is a new initiative and competition for schools from touring theatre company Tamasha, intended to support secondary school Drama teachers continue to teach their subject during the coronavirus lockdown.
Kiln Theatre
Kiln Insight is a programme of ways for you to keep in touch, learn more about, and get involved with Kiln Theatre's artistic output. From exclusive interviews, webinars and filmed content, there’s something for everyone.
Vamos Theatre
To help anyone who needs it, we've been working hard to create new resources for teachers, students, mask actors and anyone else interested in mask theatre. These short films show you how mask acting works, and are great fun too!
Blue Elephant Theatre
While we're in lockdown again, Blue Elephant Theatre is bringing more free drama workshops, especially aimed at primary school-age children, to brighten up the week.
Frantic Assembly
Frantic Digital is a new resource designed to take you behind the scenes of the Frantic Method; sharing insights into the creative and rehearsal process, practical creative tasks and fun, production related warm ups that can all be safely tried at home.
Drama Resource
David Farmer inspires, motivates and educates teachers about the power of drama to transform learning.
Mental Health Resources
Get into Theatre highlight some companies, charities and websites that offer support around mental health aimed at those working in the theatre and performing arts industry.
The Bigger Room Project
Free Monthly events via Zoom and Facebook featuring Industry Leaders - from the UK and the wider world - giving Masterclasses.
Education Resource Packs
We’ve made all our School’s Resource Packs from previous productions available to be downloaded online for use by teachers and home-schooling parents.
N-Act theatre company
N-Act Online was developed during lockdown to provide high quality productions and resources for schools. Here you can find links to videos and PDF documents to help you teach both online, and in a socially-distanced classroom.
Fourth Wall: Playwrights in Lockdown
Dan Rebellato has set up a series of interviews via Zoom with British playwrights to talk about their art, their craft, and their plays. There's plenty here for anyone who wants to understand these writers better or is looking for inspiration on how to write a play.
'Rediscovering Alice' - suitable for KS2+
Playscript by David Lawson Lean. Trialled in school since lockdown, it is possible to work with this creatively and safely. Lesson ideas provided also.
Scheme of Learning by Ryan Coates
Inspired by the work of John O'Toole (Dramawise). Students will learn about the fundamental dramatic elements required for any performance.
Burts Drama
Burts Drama for online learning – lots of accessible ideas for lessons.
Theatre Resources for Isolation
Theatre Resources for Isolation – lots of links to online resources complied by Ollie Jones from University of York.