NANDA CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
There is no doubt that these problems continue to haunt NANDA but in this year more than others I do think that the Association has played a pivotal role in keeping Groups together and offering them not only what limited help the Association can provide but opportunities and events that have helped foster this 'togetherness'. Now more than ever NANDA needs to continue to play this key role and both I and all the Executive remain committed to fulfil this mission.
It is therefore with some real satisfaction and pleasure that our last year proved to be one of our more successful and enjoyable
The Play of the Year Competition attracted a record number of 17 entries with success being attained by the West Bridgford Dramatic Society's production of 'Humble Boy'. The plays were adjudicated by Gordon Parsons whose energy and play reports received universal acclamation from all who participated.
In order to maintain the use of excellent adjudicators for our events I feel that NANDA were prudent to approach Mark Lebeter to adjudicate the Youth Festival held in May 2011. Six entries were received for this event which was won by the Ravenshead Youth Theatre for their production of 'Over the Wall' Plans are now being made for the 2012 event to be staged at the Chilwell Olympia Theatre on the 18th and 19th May 2012. Thanks are extended to Mark Lebeter for his entertaining and excellent adjudications.
The One Act Play Festival was also successfully staged in March 2011 with the winning entry being that of the Calverton Theatre Group for their production of 'Shrine', an original play from Simon Carter; a member of the Calverton Group.
The adjudicator for the Festival was Max Bromley, no stranger to NANDA, who again gave an excellent and perceptive appraisal of the performances given. The Festival in 2012 will be held on the 23 and 24th March 2012 at the Chilwell Olympia Theatre.
Particular thanks need again to be extended to Jack Barratt for the organisation during the year of two excellent theatre lunches. The first of these in January 2011 was when Amanda Whittington the playwright gave an illuminating talk on the writing and staging of her plays. Particular interest was generated by reference to her play 'Ladies Day' which was being performed by several of our NANDA groups during the year. The second theatre luncheon in October 2011 was attended by Clive Francis and Beatie Edney who were appearing in the production of 'The Madness of King George' at the Theatre Royal. Both spoke evoking real interest in approaches to acting and past productions in which they had been involved. It was also lovely for the Executive to talk to the 80+ people who attended the two events. Jack is now busy trying to arrange event/s for 2012.
Another successful strand of activity for the year was the regeneration and consolidation of the NANDA Newsletter. The editions published during the year were promptly and regularly received and again grateful thanks are extended to Howard Whitehurst for all his efforts on our behalf. Howard is still always anxious to receive copy for articles and all Groups are asked to continue to submit news and gossip items
The age old problem of communications seemed also to have improved, with regular updates being received from Groups; especially vital contact names and email addresses. Please keep up the good work. In addition we are always happy to receive and publish requests for help by the circulation of emails. During the past year we have helped by providing actors for Halloween, the exchange of props and supplied names of actors for productions. Chris Davison as Secretary is happy to speedily communicate on all issues that could be helpful to Groups.
Please do pass on this report to all of your members for their information and maybe thereby prompting more suggestions for our future activities. Finally I would like to conclude by passing on my grateful thanks and appreciation for all the hard work and time put in by the NANDA Executive in the past year.
JOAN WILDGUST
Chairman