Over the course of a career spanning almost seventy years, the American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim unquestionably established himself as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century theatre. His works include some of the most beloved and renowned musicals of our time, which continue to be produced worldwide, and he has theatres named … Continue reading ‘What a golden legacy he has left us’ – Nick Hern pays tribute to Stephen Sondheim
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‘It gives you the freedom to choose’ – Penny O’Connor on the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique has revolutionised the physicality, presence and professional lives of generations of actors. By first asking you to identify your own acquired habits, the technique enables you to find new and beneficial ways of moving, thinking, breathing and performing, freely and without unnecessary tension. Here, Penny O'Connor – a teacher of the Technique … Continue reading ‘It gives you the freedom to choose’ – Penny O’Connor on the Alexander Technique
‘Anyone can improve their memory’ – Mark Channon on how to learn your lines more quickly, easily and confidently
Whether it's a script for a play, scenes for next day's shooting, or sides sent over shortly in advance of an audition, every actor will be familiar with the process of trying to get their lines off the page and into their brain. The pressures of line-learning can cause anxiety, and the fear of forgetting … Continue reading ‘Anyone can improve their memory’ – Mark Channon on how to learn your lines more quickly, easily and confidently
‘You can really recreate the thrill of making theatre’ – Ian Higham on directing The Weir online
When the COVID-19 pandemic first forced theatres to close their doors back in March 2020, it wasn't just professional venues that were affected; many hundreds of amateur groups and organisations were suddenly thrown into darkness, too. And as the lockdown stretched out longer than any of us first thought it would, these passionate, dedicated, community-based … Continue reading ‘You can really recreate the thrill of making theatre’ – Ian Higham on directing The Weir online
‘We hold on to hope for a better future’ – Matt Applewhite looks back on 2020
Unprecedented, extraordinary, difficult, relentless, seemingly unending... however you choose to describe it, one thing's for sure: thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 has been one hell of a year. For a theatre publisher like Nick Hern Books, nine months with a shuttered arts industry has been a challenge that's forced us to adapt and find … Continue reading ‘We hold on to hope for a better future’ – Matt Applewhite looks back on 2020
‘Sometimes we all need to colour outside of the lines’: Paul Kalburgi on The Writer’s Toolkit
Whilst it can be hugely freeing, empowering and rewarding, every writer knows that writing can also sometimes be a tough and frustrating process. Whether you're trying to crack a problem on a script, come up with a new idea or find the inspiration to start anything at all, sometimes writers need something to kickstart their … Continue reading ‘Sometimes we all need to colour outside of the lines’: Paul Kalburgi on The Writer’s Toolkit
‘The training must go on!’ – Glyn Trefor-Jones on teaching drama socially distanced
Teachers and students returning to school this month are having to get to grips with a 'new normal' of bubbles, masks, and social distancing. The constraints caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic make teaching any subject trickier – but perhaps none more so than drama. That's why director, writer and teacher Glyn Trefor-Jones has created … Continue reading ‘The training must go on!’ – Glyn Trefor-Jones on teaching drama socially distanced
‘Dear Class of 2020…’: A message to new drama graduates – Part Two
Graduating from a course or degree is always a momentous moment of change – but with the world in grips of a pandemic and the theatre industry almost entirely shut down, the Class of 2020 face additional challenges. Here, in Part Two of a special two-part blog post, we asked some celebrated theatre-makers (and NHB … Continue reading ‘Dear Class of 2020…’: A message to new drama graduates – Part Two
‘Dear Class of 2020…’: A message to new drama graduates – Part One
Graduating from a course or degree is always a momentous moment. Mortarboards are tossed in the air in an act of celebration, freedom, and release from years of education and training. Independence, new horizons and the prospect of employment beckon, and the search for a new, post-student identity begins. It's a huge change no matter … Continue reading ‘Dear Class of 2020…’: A message to new drama graduates – Part One
Nicholas Wright on writing his plays
Today, 27 June 2020, marks the 80th birthday of playwright Nicholas Wright. Born in South Africa in 1940, over the course of his long and illustrious career he has established himself as one of the UK's most-respected dramatists. His plays have been staged at leading venues including at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal … Continue reading Nicholas Wright on writing his plays
The Prompt Book 