NODA offers a superb and totally exclusive range of medals, bars, badges and certificates for your group to present to members, to show appreciation and to commemorate their years of service to amateur theatre.
What can I apply for?
From badges to medals, there is something for all budgets. Show off your long service with the 25 year long service medal. You can add a silver bar for every 5 years additional service up to 50 years, when you will be entitled to the 50 year gold bar and, at 60 years’ service, the exclusive diamond bar. If you wanted something a bit less formal, then the long service badges fit the bill. A different badge for every 5 years of service.
Who can apply?
The awards are intended for those who, week after week, attend rehearsals or spend many hours backstage, or on administrative work, and whose services are essential/indispensable to putting on shows. ‘Occasional’ service, e.g. just for a show week itself, does not qualify and generalised descriptions of duties such as backstage, F.O.H, programmes, tickets, committee, officer or helper are insufficient. The grant of life membership of a group is NOT a qualification for a NODA Award, nor is any status which can be achieved by merely paying a subscription - such as ‘Patron’, ‘Associate’ or ‘Hon. Member’. Receipt of any remuneration - but not refund of actual accountable expenses - disqualifies, and for this purpose, remuneration includes gifts above a nominal value. Payment for services to amateur theatre other than to the sponsoring groups, however, does not preclude the person from being given an award.
We appreciate that some groups cannot afford, or are not allowed, due to their constitution, to purchase awards for members. Whilst the applications will need to be made by the group, the individual is able to pay for the award themselves (or indeed someone else in the group).
How do I apply?
If you are a member of a group, the group will have to apply on your behalf. This can be done via our online application portal or by hard copy form. If you are a NODA individual or joint member, you will be able to apply directly for your award via the online application portal or by hard copy form.
What if I don’t qualify?
Those who do not qualify for one of the long service awards, may be entitled to wear the NODA Commendation Award especially if they are in receipt of remuneration, or do not serve amateur theatre on a weekly basis. Please note - 10 years minimum service to amateur theatre is required before a nominee can be considered for this award.
When does my service start?
Service starts from your first amateur/school show and from any age.
I have had several years out, how do I work out my service?
Your service does not have to be continuous, but you can only include the years you have been active. The only exception to this rule is the years your group were not active due to COVID-19.
I have performed with other groups, do those years count?
As long as your current group is a member of NODA or you are an individual member of NODA, you can include your service with another group as long as your current group is happy to confirm that service on your application form.
Badges
Badges for 5,10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60-years of service are available. Service does not have to have been continuous, nor with one society alone.
Long Service Medals
Gilt Pins
55, 60, 65 and 70-year pins are, as with all NODA medals and badges, handcrafted and manufactured to an extremely high standard, and these pins are fine examples of just that. They make a beautiful, quality gift for those with more than 50 years' service to amateur theatre and can be attached to existing 50 and 60-year medal ribbons.
Youth Awards
Start their recognition of service early with a NODA Youth award. Available for service between 1 and 4 years, and can be applied for up to the age of 21.
The NODA Commendation Award
Those who do not qualify for one of the long service awards may be entitled to wear the NODA COMMENDATION AWARD, especially if they are in receipt of remuneration or do not serve amateur theatre on a weekly basis. Please note - 10 years minimum service to amateur theatre is required before a nominee can be considered for this award.
The NODA Society Life Member Badge
If your society has made any of your members ‘Life Members’, NODA have for you a ‘NODA Society Life Member’ badge. Made with silver gilt and featuring the NODA crest, your life members can wear this prestigious, quality badge with pride! This can be ordered via the NODA shop.
Please note, applications must be checked against official records and authorised by the appropriate NODA official - please therefore allow at least six weeks before the presentation date.