Policies and Objectives

1. Objectives and Purpose
The Association more familiarly known as "NANDA" was formed in 1947 to provide an organised body for amateur theatre in the area.
In the Constitution its stated objectives are:
(i) to promote all aspects of theatre arts
(ii)to provide a basis for mutual co-operation and support
(iii)to foster progressive standards

2. Membership
Membership is open to organised amateur theatre groups and to individuals who believe in and support these objectives and is not restricted to the areas covered by the city and county authorities. Changes in membership occur from year to year but there is a regular membership of some 30 to 35 groups and 8 to 12 individuals.

3. Programme of Activities
The regular annual programme includes competitions, festivals, training schools, theatre luncheons, and social events along the following lines:
(a)Play of the Year Competition
This competition introduced in 1961 is perhaps the principal event in the Association's programme Member groups are invited to enter one or more full length play staged on their own premises for objective adjudication. NANDA appoints and pays an independent adjudicator to assess entries alongside those from other member groups taking into account the facilities available. An immediate and informal verbal assessment is offered backstage unless the group prefers not to have this in the middle of a run. A written or taped adjudication is made available later. Marks are awarded under four heads and are not divulged until after the close of competition in May when the winners are announced and trophies awarded. The competition is subsidised and is only open to member groups.
(b)One Act Play Festival
The Association promotes an annual one-act play festival. This festival is open to any group whether in membership or not although differential fees are charged. Again an independent adjudicator is appointed. The winners are announced and trophies awarded after the final performance. Winners may be invited to proceed to regional and/or national festivals where these are timed appropriately.
(c) Training Schools
Half day, whole day and occasionally two-day residential training schools are organised to cover topics such as direction, use of voice, projection, movement, character development and portrayal. They cater either for experienced or inexperienced players and are open to non members although a fee differential is applied.
(d) Theatre Luncheons
Periodically the Association honours an eminent professional performer who might be appearing locally. A full list of these distinguished celebrities is attached as an appendix. These guests have delivered brief addresses and answered questions to any number of individuals from 50 -150. Attendance is not limited to members
(e) Playwriting
The Association organises competitions for the writing of original plays and sketches to encourage writing and to promote links between writers and performing groups. Entries are assessed by an independent adjudicator appointed by NANDA. Shortlisted plays and sketches are presented at a public festival organised for this purpose at which the winners are announced. The Association has published several of the winning plays and a collection of sketches.
(f) Social Events
There is an annual dinner at which the winners of the Play of the Year Competition are announced and the trophies awarded. Each year one or other member group of the Association agrees to act as host and to arrange for its own preferred brand of entertainment.

4. Services
The above examples indicate the nature of the organised programme of events but the help and support of the Association is available to member groups and others in a variety of other ways. Where a problem occurs it is possible to put a group seeking help in touch with either a professional adviser (who may charge a fee) or another group who have tackled a similar problem. Advice can be given on request on all manner of problems from set-design and construction, through lighting, staging, business, properties to casting, production and assessment of performance. The Association can help with play selection, access to copies, performance rights, and loan availability and can also supply speakers or specialist tutors (who may charge a fee) on all aspects of theatre. These services readily offered to member groups (and to non-members) are available because NANDA can draw upon the resources of individuals and other member groups and from the collective knowledge of skilled people in the area. We draw immense strength from pooling such resources thereby enabling us to enjoy the delights of live theatre. We do not exist to interfere or to do things for you, but to help you to do yourselves those things which you want to do, and enjoy doing, in theatre.

5. Communications
The Association communicates with members through the designated officer of each group (usually the Secretary). Communication is by general circular on individual events and additionally by means of a three or four times per year Newsletter. This publication is a means of keeping groups informed about the broader programme and opportunities to reflect on particular topics or themes through articles and views expressed by members and others. Details of forthcoming productions are included in a calendar and hence publicises your events and interests. Non members may subscribe to receive copies at a charge of £5 pa.

6. Insurance Scheme
Sadly the Nanda insurance scheme has lapsed.

7. Government
The Executive Council is elected annually from representatives nominated by member groups. Vice Presidents are also invited to attend Council meetings. All the committee work is undertaken on a voluntary unpaid basis by elected officers and by individuals appointed by the Council. Our policy is to make organised events self supporting and to maintain subscriptions for the administrative cost at as low a level as possible. In the light of the level and range of services offered we believe that the current subscription levels are very reasonable.