History
NODA have been supporting amateur theatre groups since 1899.
NODA was formed in 1899, in a meeting at the Grosvenor Hotel, in Manchester as a ‘Mutual Aid Society’. By November of that year, there were 41 societies affiliated.
1910 - The Mask was published, showing the original association logo.
1911 - The Mask was discontinued.
1924 - Silver Jubilee. Introduction of new logo
1925 - ‘Amateur’ dropped from the name, becoming NODA.
1926 - First offices taken at the Scala Theatre in London
1927 - 3000 volumes in the association’s library and the Carnegie Trust Grant was given to expand the NODA Library.
1929 - The first attempt at a NODA Summer School failed. NODA Limited was formed as an Agency for 30 producers. NODA became the rightsholder for several works.
1930 - The first award of a NODA Long Service Medal for 25 years continuous service.
1941 - In April, there was bomb damage to the Eccleston Square office.
1949 - NODA Golden Jubilee. Publication of 50 Years of Amateur Theatre.
1950 - The first eight-day Summer School.
1954 - NODA moved to No. 1, Crestfield Street, London.
1959 - NODA Diamond Jubilee.
1960 - Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother became patron.
1968 - NODA registered as a charity. The programme design competition was inaugurated.
1975 - 75th anniversary of NODA with a reception at St. James’ Palace with the Patron.
1978 - Resolution to desolve the association defeated in Cardiff.
1987 - The Technical Summer School began.
1998 - The first combined Summer School was held.
2001 - NODA moved to Peterborough
2016 - Launched the new CRM system, simplifying storing member details.
2024 - 125th anniversary of NODA. The launch of the new NODA design and website.