NSDF12 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DRAMA FESTIVAL
In Sheffield 22nd - 30th June 2012, NSDF and Sheffield Theatres in association with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University as part of the London 2012 Festival, the finale of the Cultural Olympiad is going international with a nine day celebration of young people's theatre. NSDF12 - ISDF (International Student Drama Festival) will feature the best of British work alongside exceptional productions by young people from across the world.
NSDF12 - ISDF is for anyone who wants to get involved with drama and the creative industries. It is a place where the most inspirational work from diverse, young and emerging artists is celebrated and presented alongside workshops from leading professionals from around the world. UK Visiting Artists include:
Royal Shakespeare Company, London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT), Old Vic Tunnels, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Menier Chocolate Factory, LAMDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, PLASA, John Godber, Fuel Theatre, Unlimited Theatre, Stage Electrics, IdeasTap and the Sunday Times. Global Visiting Artists to be confirmed by November 2011.
For more information on how to enter a show, buy a festival pass or become part of the tech crew/front of house team click here.
What is NSDF?
National - NSDF is a truly national festival with productions, participants and professionals coming from all across the UK to create a unique week of workshops, performances, discussions and training.
I had an incredible time at NSDF, it was absolutely brilliant meeting so many people my age doing the same thing. The opportunity to watch some of the best student work from around the country was amazing. The feedback I got from visiting artists, selectors and my contemporaries alike taught me a great deal about how I can improve as a director. The advice I received on how to continue directing post university was also invaluable. (George Ransley, University of Edinburgh, Director Amadeus, NSDF11)
Student - This festival is for anyone aged 16 to 25, although there is no upper age limit. It's your festival. You don't have to be studying drama you just have to enjoy it and want to watch it and make it. NSDF presents productions from schools, Further Education Colleges, Youth Groups, Drama Societies, individuals and touring companies set up by recent graduates. We have a Youth Council who feed back your ideas, a festival magazine written by you and volunteering opportunities both at festival and throughout the year.
Above all, for me, NSDF11 was about hope; it was a week in which my desire to be involved in theatre was rekindled, my ambition reborn and my confidence renewed. Through meeting an abundance of passionate industry professionals and through discussing my work openly with them, that which seemed previously a pipe dream, a one-in-a-million chance, suddenly became attainable and appeared real. I felt again that I could do it. (George Chilcott, University of Leeds, Director of Dealer's Choice, NSDF11)
Drama - The NSDF accommodates all forms of live theatre performance including dance, mime, physical theatre, music theatre, site-specific work, comedy, clowning, devised work, new writing and classical and modern drama, as well as film, television and radio.
I was very taken by the whole organisation and it's holistic nature. Such an extraordinary opportunity for young people to exchange, explore and share in an intimate setting of workshops and in the theatre whether watching or in dialogue. I was struck daily by the skills base in my groups, so vivid and immediate and always ready to present. (Michael Corbidge, Royal Shakespeare Company, Visiting Artist, NSDF11)
Festival - 60 performances, 180 workshops, 6 discussions, 7 late night events and over 650 students. NSDF is a celebration of young talent as well as an introduction to the pathways into the profession.
The NSDF is essential, I was inspired by the drive, idealism and commitment of the students and leaders (Christopher Eccleston, Visiting Artist NSDF10)