NODA Theatre Summer School success

I talk about the benefits of NODA Theatre Summer School endlessly – but I think it is even more powerful to hear it from the point of view of those that attend. The students who have contributed to this article are just a few of many. They have all reaped the rewards of attending NODA Theatre Summer School long after a week of expert tuition and shared experience with likeminded people.

We’ll start with Tracy, who has gained so much for being a regular attendee of the school as a student of a variety of courses:

“Before I came to summer school I didn’t know what to expect. As a performer I have gained lots of confidence and as a creative I gained lots of experience with the different societies I am in. I was assistant vocal coach for the panto this year, and I have been assistant director and dance captain as well.”

Next, Mary who has had a similar experience – for her it has enhanced her life both within and outside of her professional role:

“I have been going to summer school for the past 11 years and participated in a range of different courses over that time. It is difficult to summarise everything I have gained from attending as the impact on me has been huge. Summer school gives you a network of people with similar interests to you which has been a great support both personally and professionally. As a secondary school drama teacher, to be taught by tutors who are currently working in the professional industry has not only improved my own performance skills, but allowed me to be confident that I am passing on up-to-date information to my students and widened my metaphorical toolbox for the classroom. Personally, I have always loved to sing and enjoy it even more so now that I have had the opportunity to learn and perform more of the genre I love, and learned to have greater control over those pre-show nerves - all of which has led to me being more successful in auditions with local societies. Above all, the confidence summer school has given me has been life changing and opened up so many opportunities for me beyond the week of summer school itself. One of the things that makes summer school special is the range of experiences that other students bring; any level of experience is welcome. It remains my favourite week of the year and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in any aspect of theatre to give summer school a try.”

Kathy has enjoyed great success as a playwright:

“In 2022, I attended the Work in Progress course at NODA Theatre Summer School, which focussed on writing and developing plays. During the week, among other things, I wrote, gave and received feedback and acted in other students’ plays to help with the development of their ideas. The group and the marvellous tutor were friendly and supportive, and I ended the week exhausted, happy and confident enough to continue with my play writing journey. I kept in touch with the other students and we regularly meet online to read and give feedback on each other’s work. Since then, I have had 2 plays produced by amateur groups and have recently had my first play accepted for publication. NODA Summer School gave me a huge amount of new knowledge to apply, a support network of peers, and perhaps most importantly, the confidence to believe in my own work. I could not have done it alone.”

Now let’s hear from Jamie who has had the most exciting year, partly inspired by a new feature of last year’s school:

“I first attended NODA Theatre Summer School in 2012, and have been most years since then. What I loved immediately about it was the supportive atmosphere. Over the years, I have grown in confidence from this school and it helped me develop the motivation to create my own piece. Early last year I started developing a short musical which needed wider feedback and workshopping. The summer school gave me the opportunity to present this during the student takeover evening. This sharing was followed by a feedback session. The positive and constructive comments lead me to believe that we were in a position to show this at the Fringe. In October, we made our submission and was immediately accepted.”

I hope you can see that there are so many benefits to attending the school. Remember, these are just four examples of hundreds we could have featured. However, I know today, more than ever, cost has a big impact on our decision making – Jon a longstanding student of the school has something to say about the cost of NODA Theatre Summer School here:

“Many people who haven’t attended NODA Theatre Summer School claim that it’s expensive. Well, they’re right. But not for the reasons they think. Summer school is a week of professional tuition in a range of stage disciplines and, this year, costs £720. People travel from all over the country, and beyond, to attend it and all of them need somewhere to sleep as well as food to eat so that price includes both accommodation and meals. If they were to stay at the nearby Holiday Inn in Stoke-On-Trent, whose rooms are roughly comparable, for the same duration it would cost £583 with breakfast included. Which makes all that professional training along with lunch and dinner for the week rather a bargain at effectively less that £150.

No, the real cost of summer school comes after NODA. First of all, everybody who attends will learn something about their chosen discipline and likely come home with a long shopping list. Directors, designers and stage managers alike will be heading off to Rymans (other stationers are available), actors and singers invest in everything from technique books to vocal steamers and dancers will never have enough dancewear again. Then there are the new shows that you’ll discover whilst you’re there, with original cast, revival and tour CDs just waiting for you to order. Amongst those I have personally been introduced to at NODA Theatre Summer School are Barnum, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Gypsy, Next To Normal, Anyone Can Whistle, Merrily We Roll Along, The Baker’s Wife, Ragtime, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Come From Away (before it even arrived in London).

The biggest cost of all, though, is likely to stem from summer school’s greatest treasure – the people you will meet while you’re there. New friends who share your interests who you’ll want to see again and again and who frustratingly don’t live anywhere near you. You’ll travel to see their shows, you’ll travel to see shows together, you might go to their weddings or even holiday together. (Apparently holidays somewhere other than NODA Summer School are a thing!) So, yes, it can prove to be rather expensive. And it’s worth every penny.”

I think that just about sums it up – hope to see you there!

Sarah Osborne

NODA Theatre Summer School Director