National Drama is an open and inclusive organisation and we positively welcome as members all those who are interested in drama and theatre in learning contexts whether in the UK or beyond.
As well as specialist and non-specialist drama teachers in schools, our members include drama and teaching students, theatre workers, lecturers, advisers and consultants, inspectors, freelance arts and creative industry workers anywhere in the drama/theatre/education sector, as well as a strong international membership.
Please join us!
National Drama is reducing membership fees and broadening the range of the association’s membership categories.
ND recognises that the national economic situation is having a severe impact on our members and potential members, at a time when colleagues are seeking supportive dialogue and stronger representation. The cost-of-living crisis and limited funding, particularly for maintained schools, is having a detrimental impact on teacher support and development.
In recognition of this, the Executive is reducing association fees and adjusting them to encourage a new membership with a wider range of discretionary categories from which to select. The new range of categories and specific fees are listed below. If you are uncertain about which membership category is suitable for you, please email: membership@nationaldrama.org.uk.
Individual Membership £40
As a National Drama Individual Member, you will be entitled to professional support and development opportunities in the following ways:
- Twice yearly copies of the ND Magazine, Drama;
- Free individual access to Drama Research, ND’s international online research journal;
- Our monthly e-newsletter concerning national and international news, conferences and events;
- Free access to high quality teaching materials and classroom resources;
- Subject representation, reflecting your views and opinions, with the DfE and other government organisations;
- Reduced fees for ND regional, national and international courses and conferences and ND publications;
- Opportunities to participate in national and international dialogue concerning learning in and through Drama and Theatre Education;
- The opportunity to write about your work in our blog and Drama magazine and to contribute to research;
- Opportunity to apply for one of National Drama’s Aine Lark Bursaries.
Concessionary Membership £20
Those who are unwaged, retired or differently abled are entitled to the full benefits of individual membership at this reduced rate.
PGCE Initial Teacher Education Free Membership for One Year
PGCE students are entitled to the same support as that offered through Individual Membership.
Early Career Teacher Membership £10 p.a. for two years
Early Career Teachers are entitled to the same support as that offered through Individual Membership. This membership category is for those who have completed a programme of ITT and have QTS. It entitles those in employment within the two-year ECT phase to a reduced membership fee.
UK Primary School Membership £30
UK Primary School Membership includes all staff at the school and the same entitlements as for Individual Membership. It includes UK based International Primary Schools.
Additional entitlements of membership:
- Two copies of the twice yearly ND Magazine, Drama, to the named representatives in each school;
- Potential subject consultancy;
- The representative will be invited to our AGM on behalf of your organisation where their voice will be valued;
- The whole staff will be encouraged to contribute to our blog, Drama magazine and our research journal. Professional support and guidance will be provided.
UK SEND School Membership £30
National Drama recognises the broad range of activities in SEND Schools that come under the Learning In, and Learning Through, Drama and Theatre umbrella. Whether your setting teaches about the world through sensory stories, structured play, play-making for performance, Artsmark or visits from Theatre companies, a SEND School Membership of National Drama of National Drama provides support.
SEND schools are entitled to the same support as Individual and UK Primary School Membership. All staff, including Teaching Assistants, gain from this type of membership, as member discount prices are available for all staff at National Drama events.
National Drama hugely respects the creative contributions that SEND schools offer in finding ways to enable the advocacy of their pupils. We believe that specialist support, and the connection with like-minded colleagues, is key to resilience.
UK Alternative Education Provision Membership £30
National Drama recognises the value of skilled Drama Educators who work with children for whom formal settings are not appropriate. These additions, or alternatives, to mainstream education are often places where Drama Education can be at its engaging best. An Alternative Education Provision Membership of National Drama will provide a conduit to training and support within a community of like-minded practitioners for colleagues who work in disparate, and sometimes isolated, settings such as hospitals, forests, PRUs, private homes and so on.
Alternative Education Provision settings are entitled to the same support as Individual and UK Primary School Membership.
All staff within each setting gain from this type of membership, as member discount prices are available for all staff at National Drama events.
UK Secondary School Membership £60
UK Secondary School Membership includes all staff at the school and the same entitlements as for Individual Membership. It includes UK based International Secondary Schools.
Additional entitlements of membership:
- Two copies of the twice-yearly ND Magazine, Drama, to the named representatives in each school;
- Potential subject consultancy.
University and HE Institution Membership £60
The benefits of University Membership are the same as for Individual Members and UK Secondary Schools. All Drama staff within the department are included in this membership.
Theatre in Education Company Membership £30
National Drama values the unique experience that Theatre in Education (TIE) has to offer to young people. The dynamic aesthetic and participatory element of TIE encourages curiosity, empathy and importantly dialogues.
National Drama has a growing network of TIE groups. We invite other TIE groups to join us including practitioners, teacher/actors and facilitators to become part of an emerging group within our organisation.
National Drama acknowledges that TIE is a vital part of the cultural landscape. National Drama also understands the challenges that this movement has undergone. Please join us if you are interested in:
- Networking with other TIE groups and teachers in schools;
- Ensuring that TIE is valued as an educational offer to ALL young people;
- Increasing TIEs visibility, particularly through dialogue with government;
- Being part of a national debate.
Members will be entitled to the same benefits as Individual Members and UK Secondary School Members, with these additional entitlements:
- Opportunities to run workshops and share material;
- An opportunity to flag up your work on our social media platforms;
- The opportunity to write about your work in our blog and Drama magazine;
- A posting on our service directory page.
Main Scale Touring Theatre and Building-based Company Membership £50
National Drama is proud to have some prestigious Theatre Companies as part of the organisation including Complicite and the Chichester Festival Theatre. National Drama celebrates the expertise these groups have to offer and, in turn, offers a network and platform to share their work. Post-pandemic, it is vital that theatre groups are a part of a national collective voice. National Drama lobbies for Theatre and Drama to ensure that the arts have a firm place within in curriculum. If you are a Main Scale Touring Theatre, we invite you to join us. We want to hear about your education work. We invite you to be part of a national debate concerning Drama and Theatre Education.
The membership brings the same entitlements as Theatre in Education Company Membership plus two copies of the twice-yearly ND Magazine, Drama.
Education and Professional Organisations Membership £50
National Drama values partnerships and creative collaborations with organisations whose mission is to improve the lives and wellbeing of children and young people. Applications from professional organisations that share our educational concerns are encouraged to become members. These may be:
- National Curriculum subject associations;
- Drama Teacher Networks that are concerned with learning;
- Phase-specific organisations whose concerns relate to Early Years, primary, secondary, SEND or teacher training;
- Organisations with responsibilities for children’s health and wellbeing;
- Charitable Trusts and Foundations that promote theatre and drama with and for children and young people.
Organisations will be entitled to the same support as Individual Membership and UK Secondary School Membership.
Multi-Academy Trust and SCITT Membership £90
National Drama recognises the unique and discrete contribution that the creation of Academies has brought to the English education system. Although membership fees for Academies and SCITTS will require some negotiation, the fee for those comprising up to five schools is £90.00. For Trusts with more than five, then discretionary fees will be agreed with the ND Treasurer and the Academy Trust. Payment is by invoice and bank transfer. Contact finance@nationaldrama.org.uk.
The entitlements of membership are the same as for Individual Membership and UK Secondary School Membership with the following additions:
- An appropriate number of copies of the twice yearly ND Magazine, Drama, to the named representatives in each school;
- Potential subject consultancy across the MAT and SCITT;
- Opportunities to participate in national and international dialogue concerning learning in and through Drama and Theatre Education.
International Membership (Individual) £50
Individuals outside the UK can apply for ND membership and are entitled to the same professional support and development opportunities as in Individual Membership. Please recognise that National Drama is not in a position to provide subject representation, or to reflect your views and opinions, on government organisations in your country. However, the professional practice which is available through ND publications, conferences and workshops will aim to be both valuable and relevant and take account of your context.
International Membership (Organisation) £90
National Drama values international networking and collaborations in drama and theatre education. Applications from organisations outside the UK that share our concerns are welcome. These may be:
- Drama educator associations and networks;
- Schools, universities or higher education institutions;
- Theatre companies whose concerns relate to drama education in early years, primary, secondary, SEND or teacher training;
- NGOs or social work organisations whose concerns relate to using drama in promoting health and wellbeing of children, young people and
communities; - Charitable trusts and foundations that promote theatre and drama with and for children, young people and communities.
Organisations will be entitled to the same support as International Membership (Individual), with the following additions:
- Two copies of the twice yearly ND Magazine, Drama;
- Regular communication, consultancy and dialogue with ND at an organisational and executive level.
Please apply to the ND Treasurer at finance@nationaldrama.org.uk for an invoice for payment by international bank transfer.
