About Summer School
What is NODA Summer School?
It’s a one week shared learning environment for adults who want to learn and improve their acting, singing, drama or technical skills with regard to amateur theatre.
What level of pre-course skill or experience do I need?
In most cases, no experience at all. Some courses do require some pre course preparation, but most simply need you to come prepared to work hard with a group of people in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Is it all work and no play?
Not at all. The social side is as important as the sessions themselves. The courses are designed to be educational but also fun. Then after classes, there are social events arranged on 4 nights with additional alternative taster sessions on the 2 other nights. However, you will find there are many student arranged ‘not timetabled’ after school events. These can often be the most fun of all but be prepared for these to happen late at night.
How much does it cost?
For detailed information, please see our Terms and Conditions
Is there financial help available?
Yes there is. You can apply separately for financial assistance once your booking has been accepted. The application for financial help has to be submitted not later than mid January. Help is in the form of a training grant for members of NODA Regional Committees and bursaries for the remainder of applicants.
What is included?
Tuition, accommodation, meals and parking are included and each student has their own en-suite bedroom. For full information see Terms and Conditions.
Which courses have spaces? Which courses are full?
You can see which courses have spaces from our Booking Form page. You will need to be logged into the NODA website and select a package (price list) on question 1.
We also hold a small "Waiting List" for our courses which can be subscribed to from our Booking Form page
Summer School Team
The team that runs NODA Theatre Summer School is made up of volunteers who are elected by the NODA Council with support from staff at Head Office.
Jacquie Stedman - Chairman of NODA Theatre Summer School and Past President
Sarah Osborne - School Director
Ian G Cox - Chairman of Trustees
Kay Rowan - Treasurer of NODA Theatre Summer School, Councillor for the South East
Peter Oliver - Councillor for the North
Les Smith - Councillor for the North East
Phil Barnett (co-opted)
Alexandra Bilsland (co-opted)
Sarah Hall (co-opted)
Mike Smith (co-opted)
History of NODA Theatre Summer School
The school has been in its present format since August 1998 when it was held at the University of Warwick. Prior to that time there had actually been three schools, all on a different site: The Technical School was in Winchester, The Drama School was in Bristol and the Operatic School was in Ripon. Each of these schools provided education to the highest standard for its students. Following the unification of the Summer Schools, to become the NODA Theatre Summer School, it moved away from Warwick to Loughborough University where it remained for many years until moving back to the Conference Centre at Scarman House on the Warwick University Campus in 2011. In 2017 the Summer School moved to Yarnfield Park in Stafford. The 2020 and 2021 Summer Schools were held on-line.
What students say...
"I really hope I can come to Summer School again in the future as it was a truly fantastic experience. I learnt so much and made some lovely friends. I wish I'd attended years ago!"
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please send them to summerschool@noda.org.uk