NANDA CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
It is usual when reporting to this meeting to refer to the work of NANDA as an association. However, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to the outstanding work that has been presented by our member groups. I have had the privilege of attending many of the productions offered and I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that the quality of work is comparable to that presented throughout the midlands and beyond. I can say this because as well as supporting our member groups, I have attended many productions outside our region and although I may be guilty of a slight bias, we are creatively and artistically in what might be termed the 'premier division'.
There is no doubt that certainly over the past 2 to 3 years the standard has constantly increased. Now I would like to think that our work as an association has been an important ingredient in this success. I feel that we are really developing as a community association whereby we are not only providing important support and resources, but as a people's organisation we are developing a strong sense of bonding and fellowship. As an Executive we are flattered by the support given to us by member groups, and conversely the acknowledgement of NANDA on their advertising and programmes. Clearly there is still work to do, but the events of the year, which I will refer to , illustrate the overall sense of achievement.
Perhaps one of the most important of our ventures is the Play of the Year Competition, which this year attracted 16 entries, with the winning trophy being awarded to Bonington Players for their production of Brassed Off. The Competition was adjudicated by Stephen Godward, one of our region's most capable and observant practitioners. He was universally praised for his valuable comments and suggestions. The Competition concluded with the Annual Awards Dinner, held at the Welbeck Hotel where we had a capacity attendance. It was a great evening made more enjoyable by Stephen's entertaining and informative address.
The Youth Festival lived up to our expectations, when in May, 6 entertaining entries were adjudicated by Gordon Parsons. The Drury Cup for the best overall play was won by the Lace Market Youth Theatre with an excerpt from their production of 'The Taming of the Shrew'. The 2014 Competition will be held on the 16th and 17th May at the Chilwell Olympia Theatre. The adjudicator will be Dave Baliol-King, a well known local director and practitioner and a director of the Robin Hood Theatre Company Ltd.
It is also pleasing to report that in October 2012, 20 people attended successful Director's Workshop run by Bob Wildgust. The feedback received was very positive and we are receiving enquiries as to when the next one will be held. An announcement will be made and dates and details circulated.
Only one entry was received for the One Act Play Festival in 2013 which was very disappointing. It was that of Keyworth Dramatic Society and NANDA did however make arrangements for this play to enter the Leicester Festival in April where it was well received. The 2014 Festival has already attracted 4 entries and will take place at the Bonington Theatre in March with Gordon Parsons adjudicating. The closing date for entries is 31st January.
During the year the Executive decided to stop producing the Newsletter, as insufficient articles were being received. The Executive decided therefore to concentrate on and develop emails and the use of Facebook pages to access and disseminate information. We have to realise that we are now living in a digital age, and although some of us long in the tooth may not feel too comfortable with this, we have to move with the times. To help those in need (including myself) we are arranging a' Facebook Information' Workshop for beginners. Again look out for information.
Our Website continues to receive thousands of hits from all over the world for many and varied reasons. Mike does a fine job with its updates and maintenance, but it does need all groups to make the link between NANDA's site and their own sites in order for all people to access all our potential.
In February we organised a successful Theatre Luncheon at the Cast Restaurant. Our speaker was Giles Croft, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, who gave a very entertaining and interesting talk, which generated many questions about both his own career and the Playhouse. Unfortunately we have been unable to secure other speakers since then but will continue our quest. Many thanks at this point must go to Jack Barratt, who organised our recent luncheons. Sadly he has had to resign from the Executive due to ill health, and we wish him good health in the future.
You will see from our Financial Report, which is to follow, that we are still in a healthy position, so our immediate future is secure. This means that we are able to keep our entry fees down and support our groups in their future endeavours.
It is good to be able to report that the Bonington Theatre is coming to an end of its present refurbishment, a welcome improvement, and its immediate future is secure. The People's Theatre Company are still performing at the Nottingham Arts Theatre and increasing their membership. The Robin Hood Theatre Company is now moving forward with its ownership and refurbishment of the theatre at Averham, Newark, and hope to perform there again in April 2014. The future of the Art Deco Theatre at Stanford Hall is still hanging in the balance, but campaigners to keep it open are still working hard with planners at the Local Authority.
Again I would like to appeal for all member groups to update their communications between themselves and NANDA, between groups and throughout their own individual members. Only by doing this can we build on the progress already made to develop and promote the love of Drama throughout Nottinghamshire and its surrounding counties. Finally I would personally like to thank my fellow officers and members of the Executive Council, who meet each month, for giving up their free time with great enthusiasm to organise our events and promote amateur theatre. Others are welcome to join this executive band of happy thespians.
Please make this report available to all your members, who are invited to comment and make suggestions for our future activities and development.
JOAN WILDGUST
Chairman