Being a NODA Rep
It’s been almost a year and a half since I became a NODA representative. I had no real idea what it involved. Each area is divided into regions and regions into districts. As a rep, I had 18 different groups. I had no idea there were so many and most of them were unknown to me.
I have worked in many areas of theatre in professional and amateur arenas as a reviewer for many publications and online services. As a writer I enjoy writing, but each place has a different style, and keeping reviews readable but including the salient points is difficult. And they vary in quality and length; one review from an Edinburgh Fringe took me longer to write than them to perform. Maybe not everyone knows, reviewers – unless they work for well-known or national publications don’t get paid. It costs in time and money to see the show (even if the ticket is free). But we do it for the love of the theatre.
Writing a report for NODA is different; all the aspects of production are covered. We have a word count guide but I feel an enormous responsibility to represent the production fully and note all aspects. Because I work in theatre, I appreciate how much work it takes to bring something to the stage, I ensure everything is covered. As a NODA rep, I want to support and value everything I see regardless of the outcome. I believe in continuous learning and improvement, so I view feedback is a gift and essential to help us move upwards.
Three things to remember about a NODA rep.
1. They have come to see the show because they love theatre.
2. There is often lots to learn from their feedback: positive things to repeat, other areas to learn from or improve. Listen to all the feedback, even if you don’t like it.
3. Ultimately, it’s only one person’s opinion.
During 2023, I visited all who invited me and covered a couple outside my area. The variety was breathtaking, ranging from massive musical theatre companies putting on stellar shows, to plays in village halls and everything in between. I’ve covered the complete area and it’s been a complete joy to meet each company and the truly talented and committed people. The innovation, the clever additions of lighting or sound effects, the ingenious sets that some people have created – on top of the acting, singing and dancing on show, has astounded me. It’s reminded me, with absolute certainty, that productions that are technically amateur, are superior to professional theatre.
Theatre is a diverse and wonderful place to be.
Susanne Crosby
District 1 South East Representative and Youth Co-ordinator