Check out the 2026 NODA Theatre Summer School courses

Starting a Society Producing a Show

This eclectic and wide-ranging course is something very different for NODA Theatre Summer School. Taught by a team of tutors it will develop your knowledge of what goes on outside of a theatre to make a show happen

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own theatre company or simply looking to understand the nuts and bolts of producing a show, this course offers the essential tools and insider knowledge to make it happen.

Through a blend of workshops, seminars and presentations from a variety of guest tutors, you will explore the full production pipeline: from choosing material and budgeting, to fundraising and managing creative teams. You’ll also dive into the practical and legal steps involved in founding a theatre company. By the end of the course, participants will walk away with a practical toolkit, a personalised action plan, and the confidence to launch their own theatre production or society.

Key topics will include:

Designed for aspiring theatre producers, anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of theatre production and creatives who want to turn their passion for theatre into a sustainable and creatively inspiring venture.

Guest tutors
Tutor

Additional tutors to be announced

Sarah Osborne
Tutor

Sarah is an experienced and inspirational drama practitioner, director, producer and writer who has been working within arts, training and education (both mainstream and outside of school) for 30 years. 

In addition to her freelance work, she is founder member and artistic director of Yew Tree Arts and Yew Tree Youth Theatre.  She is director of NODA Theatre Summer School and project manager of Wakefield LitFest a project for 14 – 19-year-olds that inspires and empowers the next generation of playwrights.  Finally, Sarah champions young people in the Wakefield District as Creative Voice coordinator for SPARK.

Her work in the arts focuses on creating quality theatre with and for community casts and young people, it encompasses a vast range of productions of established plays in addition to the devising, writing and direction of innovative new works many of which are ensemble based.  At the heart of all of her productions is the search for truth, integrity and creativity. 

In her work within education and training she uses drama to develop creativity, confidence and communication all essential elements in successful learning. Her education work is driven by the same ambition of excellence and opportunities for all as her work in theatre. 

Funders & Partners