South West Show Reports – an explanation
We do get lots of questions about NODA Show Reports in the South West so we thought we would take the opportunity to explain what they are and how they work, to ensure everyone is aware and can get the most from them.
The Purpose of NODA Show Reports
NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association) is an Advisory Body to Amateur Theatrical Groups in the UK and provides a wide range of services to its member groups to help them thrive. One of the most popular services that NODA provides are Show Reports, where a local volunteer NODA Representative visits a NODA member Society’s production to write a report for them on their observations. NODA reports are a little different to others that a group may get from the local newspaper or from other regional adjudicators asked to attend. NODA exists to help its member Societies improve, both on-stage and off it and so Show Reports have a greater emphasis on providing positive and constructive feedback and not tearing anything or anyone down. This is not to say that areas of improvement will not be identified and recommended (as this would not be helpful for anyone in the long-term) but it is presented sensitively. NODA deliberately calls these ‘Reports’ and not ‘Adjudications’ or ‘Reviews’ to this end.
The visit, as well as providing a report, is also a way for the NODA Representative to see where else NODA can support the group and they will be keen to build up a good relationship as a result.
The Content of NODA Show Reports
NODA Representatives are all experienced in Amateur Theatre but are all individuals with different writing styles - so there is no need for surprise if there is some variation between different reports. Guidelines and training are provided to keep these as consistent as possible. NODA does not specify a maximum or minimum word count for a report (as shows are not all the same) but does like to ensure coverage of all the key aspects to the production - the Staging / Set, Lighting, Sound, Costume and Properties, Hair and Make-Up, Direction, Principal Characters (which we may focus on more for youth productions to help their development) and, where applicable, Ensemble / Chorus, Musical Direction, Band, Chorus Singing, Balance, Choreography and Movement. A report can be based only on what the Representative sees during that performance. It may include a brief story recap to confirm the Representative’s understanding of the source.
Making the most of NODA Show Reports
It is best to give your NODA Representative as much notice as possible of a production and to invite them in plenty of time. They will look for another Representative to attend for them if they are unable to, but any invitations within three weeks of the production may create difficulties. It is normal to offer two complimentary tickets for the visit and to provide a programme. Representatives will let themselves be known on arrival and often travel long distances to attend but provision of refreshments is at your discretion. Two visits per calendar year per Society are standard. You should receive your completed report within three weeks of your production (earlier if possible) and your Representative will keep you posted if there are any unavoidable delays. Some Societies invite other NODA South West Committee Members to their productions too.
An annual award ceremony takes place each May for the previous calendar year. NODA South West Representatives and Committee Members can put forward shows seen for these awards, which cover all of the facets of performance, from set and staging to choreography. Each of the 17 NODA District Representatives also puts forward their own District Achievement Award, for a Society they feel have excelled themselves, within the geographical area of groups they cover.
We hope this helps to explain what Show Reports are and how they are used within NODA South West.
Please refer to your NODA South West District Representative for more information.
The NODA South West Committee