Welcome to the June issue of the e-mail newsletter, packed with news, information and special offers on tickets for the Olivier Award winning Cabaret and on group tickets for the much loved The Sound of Music.

                               *********************************

                      NODA APPOINTS A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Tony Gibbs has been appointed NODA's new Chief Executive and will start full-time on 1st September. Tony has over 10 years leadership experience in the voluntary sector, is currently Managing Director of charitytraining.com, a specialist voluntary sector training provider, and was previously Head of Contracting and Consultancy at the Royal National Institute of the Blind. He is creator and author of the BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management and author of 'How to make it as a charity manager'. He received the Nationwide Building Society Award for Voluntary Endeavour in 2005. He was co-founder and management board member of Huntingdon Interactive Theatre.

                               *********************************

  COMPLETE THE NODA SURVEY AND YOU COULD WIN £100!

Five years on from its last national survey in 2002, the time is right for another major survey of the issues affecting our members and the amateur theatre sector. It is only by having this detailed information that NODA can tell if it is doing a good job for its members, and represent your interests to government departments, local authorities and national and regional funding agencies.

The first part of this survey asks for your opinion on the services provided by NODA, to help us improve and grow over the coming years.
Please complete the survey by clicking http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=K6uMyRWvPiFNidgW8mYTVg_3d_3d 

The closing date is 20 September. All surveys returned will be entered into a prize draw, to be drawn at the Association's AGM on 29th September. 

                               *********************************

                                    NODA NATIONAL NEWS

The Summer 2007 issue of NODA National News will be distributed this week. We would be grateful if the secretary or NODA contact could make sure that as many members of their society as possible get to see it. 

                               *********************************

                                    NODA SUMMER SCHOOL

This is your final call for this year’s NODA Summer School at Loughborough University from 4 to 11 August. Most courses are already full but some places remain on Contemporary Drama, Directing Youth Theatre, Stage Combat, Sound and the BTEC Technical Skills in Live Entertainment. To book a place, contact NODA on 0870 770 2480 or book online at www.noda.org.uk.

Students on the Musical Theatre Performers: Chicago course should note that Kelvin Towse has had to withdraw as MD and has been replaced by Moira Hartley.

                               *********************************

                                   NODA NATIONAL WEEKEND

This year’s National Weekend takes place at the Palace Hotel in Buxton from 28 to 30 September. Built in 1868, the Paramount Palace Hotel's magnificent exterior was designed by Henry Currey, architect to the Duke of Devonshire. It’s a much-loved focal point of Buxton’s culture and where everyone wants to stay when they are in town. They used to call this wonderful part of the world the English Switzerland, so immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, rolling dales and countryside.

Right in the heart of Buxton, the hotel has 122 bedrooms, including bedrooms suitable for wheelchair access. Facilities include exquisite dining in the Dovedale Restaurant and a wide-ranging Bodysense Health & Leisure Club with excellent beauty facilities.

The National Weekend, as well as its regular series of meetings, cabarets and social activity, will include an excursion to Chatsworth and workshops, and will be an excellent opportunity to network with other amateur theatre enthusiasts from across the country. Book online at www.noda.org.uk.

                               *********************************

                                     HONORARY ACCOUNTANT

The Council of NODA wishes to recruit an Honorary Accountant to advise the Council on its financial responsibilities. For further details visit www.noda.org.uk/vacancies or contact the Chairman, Eric Smart by emailing eric_smart@tiscali.co.uk.

                               ********************************* 

                                       LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Following a rise in commodity prices, some of the prices for Long Service Awards will increase from 1st July. New prices can be found in the latest issue of NODA National News. Members in NODA North East should note that applications for long service awards should now be sent to NODA Headquarters. In all other regions, applications should continue to be sent to the relevant Awards Secretary.

                               *********************************

                                           SHEET MUSIC

It is with regret we must announce that, following a decline in business over the past few years, the result of competition from specialist sheet music websites, NODA Ltd has decided to cease offering the sheet music service. We will now be selling off our stock of sheet music, either via Ebay or directly from HQ. Contact Stephanie Kemp on 0870 770 2488 or email stephanie@noda.org.uk for further details.

                               *********************************

               Anna Livia Dublin International Opera Festival

Sample the culture in vibrant Dublin City with an exclusive NODA ticket offer for the Anna Livia Dublin International Opera Festival! The Festival runs from 2 - 9 September with performances of Lucia di Lammermoor and the Pearl Fishers on alternate nights at the newly refurbished Gaiety Theatre.

With Irish soprano Anne O'Byrne in main role of Leila in The Pearl Fishers, her fellow principals are Todd Wilander as Nadir - a magnificent American tenor and Pierre-Yves Pruvot as Zurga, a wonderful baritone from France. Putting these two voices together for the famous duet will be a real treat. Finally, we have that fine Welsh bass, Geoffrey Moses, who will sing the part of Nourabad, as well as taking on the role of Raimondo in Lucia.

For Lucia - Angela Gilbert, a brilliant young soprano from South Africa who has recently sung the role for San Diego Opera to great critical acclaim. Equally exciting is the young American tenor, Scott Ramsay as Edgardo who has thrilled audiences in this role in Chicago's Lyric Opera. Both are delighted to be making their Irish debuts in our Festival. Our cast also includes Quentin Hayes, an excellent baritone from the UK. who will sing the important role of Enrico and the young Irish tenor, Karl Scully will make his debut as Arturo. Completing the cast will be two fine Irish singers - Edel O'Brien as Alisa and Bryan Hoey as the "baddie" Normanno.

Ticket prices range from €12.50 to €75. As a member of NODA, we are delighted to offer you a 10% discount. Take advantage of this great offer by calling the Box Office on +353 1 661 7549 or email boxoffice@dublinopera.com and quote the reference NODA10. For information on where to stay and flights to Dublin, contact Margaux@dublinopera.com. 

                               *********************************

                                                       ITV1 

ITV1 wants to film an amateur dramatics society on 19th June in the Manchester area.  

ITV1 is making a new dating show with Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby finding the perfect date for somebody who has so far been unlucky-in-love.  We are coming to Manchester and are keen to film a local amateur dramatics group having a social get-together or an event on Tuesday 19th June in the evening.  We would like a mix of men and women to be there to make it good fun but Holly and Fearne will particularly be looking out for single women aged between 28 and 40 who are outgoing, creative and strong-minded – to match the Manchester man they are trying to find the perfect date for! (So the more women the better)!

Please get in touch with me as soon as possible if you think your group would relish the excuse for a get-together and we can discuss it further. Many thanks.

Jo Harcourt-Smith
“Holly and Fearne Go Dating”
ITV Productions

Tel: 020 7261 3860

Email: jo.harcourt-smith@itv.com

                               ********************************* 

                                             

What I was hoping is that you could ask the people you work with if they would at least consider making a contribution to the website http://www.peterburgess.net/wiki/

At the moment the design is far from finished, but I would still appreciate any help that you or anyone associated with NODA could give.

Peter Burgess

                               *********************************

                                                 BBC DanceX

Are you a talented dancer? Or a singer that can dance well? DanceX is a brand new BBC One Saturday night entertainment series searching for talented performers to be part of an exciting new dance group which could be destined for fame.

Male and female dancers over the age of 17 required. No experience necessary. for an application pack and more information call 0901 293 2003 (calls cost £1, other mobiles and networks may vary), email dancex@bbc.co.uk or go the website www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/beonashow/shows/dance.shtml. 

                               *********************************

                  The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008

deadline: 30 September 2007

The Queens Award for Voluntary Service recognises the vital role played by the hundreds of thousands of ‘unsung heroes’ of the voluntary and community world and emphasises the importance of continuing recognition of their work. The nomination period for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008 begins on the 2nd June you can nominate your chosen voluntary organisation for this year's Awards round.

If you know a group of volunteers who devote their time to helping others in the community and improve the quality of life and opportunity for others, nominate them now. It is easy to nominate. Just visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk and download an electronic version of the nomination form and guidance notes.

For further information you can email queensaward@volunteeringengland.org or call the Award hotline on 0845 000 2002

                               *********************************

                    Free website building for volunteer groups

The Community Website Builder allows registered UK charities, non-profit making organisations and volunteer led groups or organisations to build and maintain their own website free of charge. In under five minutes, you can have a professional looking, easy to edit website up and running. With no special software, skills or knowledge required, it's easy, quick and fun to set up and maintain your own web presence. Any site registered with incomplete or invalid details will be immediately removed from the system.

All information recorded during registration of a site is stored as per the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. This scheme is operated by BT Better World and ik Software Limited. To find out more, visit www.communitykit.co.uk.

                               *********************************

                   FANTASTIC STUDENT SUBSCRIPTION OFFER:
                   55% OFF OPERA MAGAZINE’S COVER PRICE!

Get your year’s subscription to the world’s leading opera magazine, and PAY ONLY £26.90 for your 13 issues of Opera!

FOR EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT OPERA!
The best critical coverage of the opera world by an internationally renowned team of writers including: John Allison, Rodney Milnes, Hugh Canning, Fiona Maddocks, Martin Bernheimer, Andrew Porter, Andrew Clark and many more…
Comprehensive reviews of professional and student productions…
13 issues, including Festivals issue and Free Index delivered direct to your door!

The latest CD, DVD and book reviews
A comprehensive listing of performances from around the globe.
All the news, all the gossip…
As well as TWO FREE GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
Simply contact Megan Jackson, our subscriptions manager, on 0208 7480911 (operasubs@opera.co.uk ), for more details. (This offer applies to UK students only).

                               *********************************

                                          YAPTRACKER.COM

My name is Julie Baron, and I am the administrator for a new audition management website, www.yaptracker.com, which lists auditions and competitions free of charge to producing organizations.

The basic details we post include the materials required for submission, application deadlines, audition dates and locations and season information.  Additional details you may wish to provide include whether or not a pianist is provided, the level of remuneration provided, age limits, and any other pertinent details you wish to include.  

                               *********************************

     Media Trust search for successful community projects

Media Trust Productions are searching for community arts projects and volunteer groups to feature in a one-stop shop tool kit DVD that de-mystifies how to set up and run projects in your community. Did you start as a one man (or woman) band which has grown into a successful network of community groups? Are you passionate to tell your story? How/why did you begin volunteering? Has it changed your life?

Media Trust is looking for dance/drama groups, graffiti artists, singing/rapping/classical music and digital arts to classic art forms such as painting, sculpture, design and traditional 'at risk' arts/crafts (from India/Pakistan/Bangladesh/China). They are particularly looking to feature people over the age of 25, ethnic groups (specifically Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Chinese), those with no/low qualifications, those with disability and long term illness.

The geographical target areas for this campaign include London, the North/West, North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber. The overall focus will be to stress that the arts are accessible, fun and for all. The films will be shown at a high profile festival in July 2007.

For more information please contact Waheed Khan, Producer/Director.
Email: Waheedk@mediatrust.org
Tel: 0207 874 7663

                               *********************************

                    Have you done an arts or crafts course? 
                            win £50 of shopping vouchers

Voluntary Arts England are measuring the effect which recent changes in Adult Education have had on arts and crafts courses, as part of our campaign to maintain a high level of provision for all those who wish to participate for pleasure in the full range of arts activity. If you have done an arts or crafts course then please consider spending a few minutes completing a short survey to help provide some hard data.

You will only be asked a maximum of 23 multiple choice questions and the questionnaire should take no longer than 3 minutes to complete. To thank you for your time we will enter your details into a prize draw giving you the chance to win HIGH STREET SHOPPING VOUCHERS TO THE VALUE OF £50. If you require further information about this questionnaire or the work that we are undertaking in relation to this subject or would like to receive this survey in paper format then please contact Voluntary Arts England on 0191 230 4464 / info@vaengland.org.uk

Take the Survey: www.voluntaryarts.org/surveys/voluntaryartsenglandjune07/aiae.htm

                               *********************************

                   Taking Part: The National Survey of Culture,
                                         Leisure and Sport

More than nine out of ten adults in England have engaged in at least one form of cultural or sporting opportunity during the past twelve months, a new report reveals. The survey was commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport with culture and sporting bodies English Heritage, Arts Council England, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Sport England. It is the first comprehensive study of how we are spending our leisure time.

Headline results for the year included 67 per cent of people attending an arts event, and 53 per cent participating in the arts. 7 per cent of people volunteered in the cultural and sporting sectors. Other results show that rural inhabitants are more likely to attend and participate in arts events than their urban counterparts. People from the South West and South East were most likely to get involved in the arts, while those from the North East the least like to attend.

The findings will help shape future policy to improve engagement across the cultural, leisure and sporting sectors.

To view the Taking Part survey in full, go to
www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Research/taking_part_survey/surveyoutputs_may07.htm.

                               *********************************

 Sign a petition on the No 10 website to oppose funding cuts

Sign up to the Downing St Petition site to voice your views about the loss of good causes funding to the Olympics. A petition site has been created at:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lotteryolympics

Why not add your name to the growing list of people who are deeply concerned about the loss of good causes lottery funding? Many amateur theatre groups have benefited from lottery funding, and the shift of funding to the Olympics means there will be less money available in the future.

                               *********************************

                New Disability Rights Commission guidance for
                           working with  disabled volunteers

Through participating fully in volunteering activities, disabled people can build up their confidence and actively participate in their local communities. Volunteering is also a vital opportunity to develop skills relevant to the workplace.

The DRC's new guidance on engaging with disabled volunteers includes recommendations on the best way to use disabled volunteers. This is a useful tool for organisations working with volunteers or those who act as volunteer agencies.

http://www.drc.org.uk/employers_and_service_provider/employment/recruiting__retaining_and_deve.aspx" - click here to download a copy of the guidance on engaging with disabled volunteers

                               *********************************

                             Child Protection training in London

This day aims to ensure that the children, staff and volunteers engaged in the arts through your organisation are as safe as they can be. The message is how to manage the demands of legislation (including the Vulnerable Groups Bill 2006) to meet the particular needs of your organisation.

This event will be led by Liz Whitehead, Consultant and Chief Executive of the British & International Federation of Festivals and Executive Director of the National Youth Music Theatre. Liz has provided child protection workshops for 300 festivals in the UK and Republic of Ireland since 2003, alongside other consultancies for schools, museums and arts organisations.

Who can attend?
The event is aimed at national voluntary arts umbrella bodies, but is relevant to anyone involved in voluntary arts provision (voluntary arts organisations, local authority arts officers, Arts Council staff, policy makers, consultants etc).

How much?
Just £25 per session, or take advantage of the £15 earlybird rate – book four weeks in advance and save £5.

Where and when?
28 June 2007 - 10.30am to 4.00pm - The Manor Gardens Centre, 6-9 Manor Gardens, London

How to book
Download the Safety Audit: Child Protection booking form from www.voluntaryarts.org/10370. 

                               *********************************

                                  DIGITAL DIVIDEND REVIEW

Ofcom today published a summary of consultation responses to its Digital Dividend Review (DDR), to which NODA contributed. The document also sets out a revised timetable for the DDR. The document can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ddr/condocsummary/

                               *********************************

                                 UK Villages Community Kitty

deadline: 10 October 2007

UK Villages Community Kitty provides grants of between £50 and £500 to a range of community based projects. In the past, the fund has awarded grants for projects ranging from a knitting circle, to a playgroup needing toys, sports equipment for cubs, and support for several village halls and playing field committees - as well as a number of Heritage projects. For more information, go to www.communitykitty.co.uk/ukvillages.nsf/b?open&s=kitty. 

                               *********************************

                                 NEW FROM SAMUEL FRENCH

Samuel French are excited to announce the immediate release of THE SHELL SEEKERS, a play adapted by Terence Brady and Charlotte Bingham (of Upstairs Downstairs fame) from the novel by Rosamunde Pilcher.
The story of Penelope Keeling and her family and of the passion and hearbreak that have held them together for three generations. It takes place around 1985 and in flashback from World War ll to the present day, beginning with Penelope's return from hospital to her Cotswold home in the present day. She then recalls her father, a famous painter, and her Cornish childhood against the backdrop of World War ll.
First presented very successfully at the Royal Theatre, Northampton, it then toured with equal acclaim.
A haunting play full of warmth and humour with excellent parts for 5 male and 5 female. 

                               *********************************

                                         NICK HERN BOOKS
                                       NEW PUBLICATIONS

Equip yourself with The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit - and save 25%!

A practical, hands-on guide to Stanislavsky's famous 'system' and to his later rehearsal processes - for actors, directors, teachers and students. Special offer price just £8.24 (usual price £10.99) plus postage and packing: £1.24 UK, £1.65 Europe, £2.06 elsewhere. Offer available until 30 June.

Angels in America: Parts One & Two by Tony Kushner

Kushner's epic drama ('the finest drama of our time' New York Observer) available in one volume for the first time in the UK alongside Headlong's current nationwide tour. £8.99

Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre, adapted by Tanya Ronder

A darkly riotous adaptation of the Booker Prize-winning novel, premiering at the Young Vic this month. £8.99

Rafta, Rafta... by Ayub Khan-Din

A warm-hearted comedy of Indian life in England, premiering at the National Theatre. 'Tremendous' Telegraph. 'Triumphant' Time Out. £8.99

Tilt by Ailis Ni Riain

An evocative and powerful debut play, premiered by The New Works theatre company in Liverpool, Cork and Glasgow. £8.99

Carthage Must Be Destroyed by Alan Wilkins

A compelling story of political intrigue, premiering at the Traverse in Edinburgh. 'spectacular... persuasive and chilling... exposes the very sinews of power' Times
£8.99

Nick Hern Books, The Glasshouse, 49a Goldhawk Road, London W12 8QP
t. 020 8749 4953  f.020 8735 0250  www.nickhernbooks.co.uk

                               *********************************

                                         NODA THEATRE CLUB

SAVE £10 PER PERSON FOR GROUPS OF 10+ TO SEE THE MUCH LOVED SOUND OF MUSIC

The world’s best-loved musical, The Sound of Music, is breaking all box office records in this dazzling new production at the London Palladium. This timeless family classic stars Alexander Hanson and the bright new talent of musical theatre, Connie Fisher. The score brims over with some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss.

Booking until 29 March 2008. Groups of 10+ can save £10 on the top three prices, Monday-Thursday evenings and Wednesday matinees.

To book call now on 020 7907 7002.

BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE FOR THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING CABARET

The Olivier Award-winning London production of Cabaret currently stars ex-EastEnder Kim Medcalf, British acting legend Honor Blackman and TV favourite James Dreyfus. Kander and Ebb’s legendary musical turns pre-war Berlin into a dark haven of decadence, its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up appearances as the real world – outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret – prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war.

Buy two tickets for £58, Monday-Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees until 17 August.

To book call now on 020 7907 7056 quoting ‘NODA’.

                               *********************************