About National Drama

National Drama

one forum - many voices

open and inclusive

National Drama is the UK’s leading subject association for drama teachers and theatre educators. It is an open and inclusive organisation that welcomes all those involved in teaching children and young people both in and through Drama and for professionals making theatre for children and young people in any educational context or setting.

Our members come from across the full spectrum of Drama and Theatre education:

• teachers from all stages and phases

• new and experienced drama practitioners

• theatre educators

• theatre in education workers

• makers of theatre for children and young people

• drama students and student teachers

• lecturers

• local authority advisers

• inspectors

• education officers attached to theatres and museums

• freelance drama workers and consultants

supporting and influencing

ND actively ensures that the voice of Drama and Theatre, with and for children and young people, is represented and heard at regional, national and international levels

National Drama is committed to:

  • supporting the development of, and access to, high quality drama teaching for all children and young people

  • safeguarding, promoting and developing Drama and Theatre by and for children and young people

  • lobbying government, key agencies, and arts organisations

  • supporting and providing professional development in Drama and in Theatre

  • networking drama and theatre practitioners

  • supporting research and development in drama and theatre by and for children and young people

  • promoting Drama and Theatre in and across and beyond the national curriculum at all phases and stages

  • improving schools through the Drama for Learning and Creativity initiative

  • working in partnership locally, regionally, nationally and internationally

  • supporting members' project and funding bids that are congruent with the aims of the association.

working in partnership

  • National Drama works in partnership with relevant  national and international organisations and key agencies of the day

  • ND remains alert and responsive to  the changing educational and political landscapes and the way  that proposed governmental changes may impact on drama and theatre  for children and young people, both  in and out of school settings, as  well as the impact of changes on professionals working in the  drama/theatre/education sector

  •  ND is both a proactive and  reactive organisation  and lobbies on behalf  of drama, drama teachers and theatre educators 

  • National Drama is a member  of the Council for Subject Associations and the International Drama/Theatre and Education Association (IDEA) and IDEA Europe and supports the World  Alliance for Arts Education

benefiting members

National Drama values its members and provides them with:

  • high quality CPD
  • access to other ND members locally, regionally,

    nationally and internationally
  • regional and national conferences at reduced rates for members
  • access to specialist research
  • opportunity to be involved in action research
  • Drama – a twice yearly magazine of professional practice from the UK and around the world, free to members
  • Drama Research - an annual, peer-reviewed international e.journal, free to individual members
  • a dynamic website with “members only” areas
  • free telephone and email guidance, advice and support from appropriate specialists
  • opportunities to submit and/or access a range of professional papers on relevant issues and contribute to other publications
  • a national and international voice for drama.