Each year, talented and passionate amateur-theatre groups around the British Isles and beyond pit their productions against each other in competitive one-act play festivals – all in pursuit of unforgettable memories, a high mark from the adjudicator, and maybe even a trophy... But how do these festivals work, and how can your group get involved? … Continue reading How amateur-theatre festivals work – and why your group should enter one!
Author: nickhernbooks
Top tips on sight-reading for dyslexic actors
In her extensive work with dyslexic and neurodiverse actors, mentor and coach Deborah Groves has helped performers at all levels discover how they learn and work best, and identify strategies to help them achieve their goals. Here, in an extract from her book The Dyslexic Actor's Toolkit, Deborah shares her top tips for sight-reading in … Continue reading Top tips on sight-reading for dyslexic actors
‘We shall never see his like again’ – a tribute to Mike Bradwell
Mike Bradwell – who died earlier this month at the age of 77 – left an indelible mark on British theatre. During his long and illustrious career as a theatre director, he founded, worked with and ran a variety of leading companies and venues, and gave early chances to many young playwrights who have gone … Continue reading ‘We shall never see his like again’ – a tribute to Mike Bradwell
‘Interacting with the world through play’ – how clowning can benefit any performer
Clowning is a way of creating and performing inspired by pure play. For internationally renowned teacher, director, and actor Joe Dieffenbacher, a clown is not a character, but an energy – a way of relating to the physical world. Here, in an extract from his book Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy, he explains … Continue reading ‘Interacting with the world through play’ – how clowning can benefit any performer
Writing a Great Screenplay: Formatting and Language Tips to Elevate Your Script
Writing a screenplay that will impress readers and have the best chance of making it onscreen isn't just about your story, characters and dialogue – you also need to make it easy and enjoyable to read. In this extract from his book Screenwriting: The Craft and The Career, experienced script-editor, consultant and producer Philip Shelley … Continue reading Writing a Great Screenplay: Formatting and Language Tips to Elevate Your Script
Discover the Most Performed Plays of 2024
Every year, we license thousands of amateur performances of NHB-published plays, helping amateur groups, schools, youth theatres and others create their own brilliant productions. With over 1,500 titles on our list, there's no shortage of exciting options! We know that proven, popular hits can serve as important inspiration when planning a season – so to … Continue reading Discover the Most Performed Plays of 2024
Seven top tips for choosing your drama school audition speeches
If you're thinking of applying to drama school, then selecting your audition speeches is a key part of the process. But with so many options to choose from, where do you start? And how do you make sure you're picking speeches that will maximise your chances of success? Here, John Abbott – a former teacher … Continue reading Seven top tips for choosing your drama school audition speeches
Seven steps performers can use to combat stress (and how it can sometimes be useful)
Pursuing a career in the arts brings unique pressures and demands – and in order to navigate them, it's important that performers and creatives develop techniques to maintain good emotional wellbeing. In this extract from their new book Developing Your Emotional Health: The Compact Guide, authors and mind coaches Andy Barker, Brian Cooley and Beth … Continue reading Seven steps performers can use to combat stress (and how it can sometimes be useful)
‘These stories need to be heard’ – why Leave Taking’s arrival at GCSE matters
Last month, for the very first time, students sitting their exams in GCSE English Literature had the opportunity to answer questions on Winsome Pinnock’s landmark play Leave Taking. The addition of Leave Taking marks an important step forward for the GCSE English Literature specification. This powerful, moving play, about a British-Caribbean family in 1980s London, … Continue reading ‘These stories need to be heard’ – why Leave Taking’s arrival at GCSE matters
‘Acting is an essential part of being human’: Declan Donnellan on how to bring performances to life
Internationally acclaimed theatre director Declan Donnellan co-founded Cheek by Jowl with designer Nick Ormerod. A focus on the actor's art has always been central to the company's work. Encapsulating this bold way of thinking about performance, his new book The Actor and the Space tackles the fundamental questions that face any actor, developing and extending … Continue reading ‘Acting is an essential part of being human’: Declan Donnellan on how to bring performances to life
The Prompt Book 