“I want to be alone!” is one of the iconic lines associated with Swedish-American actress, Greta Garbo. She delivered this line as the character Grusinskaya in the 1932 film Grand Hotel but many also thought she said it in real life too. Wanting some space and privacy is understandable for Hollywood film stars, but as a drama teacher, you may want a bit more support and people to talk to. That’s where the National Association for the Teaching of Drama (NATD) may be able to step in and help. But what is the NATD, and how can they help?
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NATD history and background
NATD is a pivotal organisation that champions the importance of drama education in schools. It has a commitment to encouraging creativity and personal growth among students, and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of drama education.
Founded with the vision of integrating drama into the core of educational curricula, NATD has a rich history rooted in promoting child-centered education. The association’s principles are heavily influenced by educational pioneers like Dorothy Heathcote and Edward Bond, who have significantly contributed to the field of drama education and should be household names to all drama teachers.
By D. Tuaillon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9656211
Over the years, NATD has evolved, adapting to the changing educational environment while staying true to its mission of making drama an essential part of students’ learning experiences. It is also a member of the Drama, Theatre and Education Alliance (DTEA), an umbrella organisation of 20+ UK associations, networks & leading organisations working in drama and theatre with, for and by children and young people.
Pedagogical approach
NATD advocates for a humanising curriculum that places the child at the centre of education – the child-centered approach. This focus aims to ensure that drama is not just an extracurricular activity but an integral subject that complements and enhances traditional academic subjects. By emphasising the importance of creativity, NATD argues that drama helps develop critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills, which are invaluable in a well-rounded education. See our article on Why Drama Should Be Included In School Curriculums for more information on this debate.
Buy Dorothy Heathcote’s book on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4iWBMmu
Recently, NATD has undertaken several projects and initiatives to further its goals. These include organising workshops and conferences that provide professional development opportunities for drama educators. The association also publishes research and practical guides through its Journal for Drama in Education, available to institutions and members and accessible from their website. This offers insights into effective drama teaching practices, workshop notes and discussions on pedagogy and teaching GCSE Drama. Subscriptions for institutions only are currently £25 per year or you can buy a back copy for £3.00.
One of the notable recent initiatives is the advocacy for a National Plan for Drama Education, which aims to ensure that every student has access to high-quality drama education. It also often debates the process vs. production-based pedagogies for teaching drama.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its successes, NATD faces several challenges. Barriers such as budget constraints, lack of resources, and limited recognition of drama as a core subject often hinder the implementation of comprehensive drama programs in schools. However, NATD continues to address these challenges through persistent advocacy and innovative solutions. Looking ahead, NATD aims to expand its reach and influence, working towards a future where drama education is universally recognised and valued for its profound impact on students’ development.
How can it help drama teachers?
The National Association for the Teaching of Drama (NATD) offers valuable support to drama teachers in several ways. Becoming a member of NATD can help you by:
- Professional Development: NATD organises conferences, workshops, and seminars to help drama educators enhance their skills and explore innovative teaching methods.
- Example: You attend a NATD-led workshop on using Forum Theatre (a technique by Augusto Boal) to address bullying in schools. You leave with practical strategies to engage students in discussions about social issues through role-playing and dramatic interventions.
- Resources and Publications: Members gain access to the Journal for Drama in Education, which includes theoretical articles, practical insights, and updates on drama pedagogy.
- Example: As a member, you access an article in the Journal for Drama in Education about integrating drama into history lessons. Inspired, you design a project where students recreate historical events, such as the signing of the Magna Carta, through improvisation.
- Advocacy: NATD promotes drama as an essential part of education, advocating for child-centered, humanising curricula that integrate drama effectively.
- Example: The NATD advocates for the inclusion of drama in the national curriculum. You then use the NATD’s materials to make a strong case to their school leadership, resulting in increased funding for drama activities.
- Networking Opportunities: The association connects drama teachers, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices.
- Example: You connect with others at a NATD conference and collaborate on a cross-school project, where students from different schools perform a play based on environmental sustainability.
- Specialised Training: NATD provides training on techniques like “Teacher in Role,” enabling educators to guide students through fictional worlds to better understand complex topics.
- Example: You complete NATD training on “Teacher in Role” techniques and use it to guide your students through a drama where they role-play villagers negotiating to save their town from flooding, teaching decision-making and empathy.
These examples demonstrate how NATD’s offerings could empower you as a drama teacher in diverse and impactful ways.
Conclusion
The National Association for the Teaching of Drama remains a steadfast advocate for the inclusion of drama in school curricula. By promoting a child-centered, creative approach to education, NATD highlights the vital role that drama plays in nurturing well-rounded, empathetic, and articulate individuals. As the association continues to champion this cause, it calls on educators, policymakers, and the wider community to support and advocate for drama education, ensuring that future generations reap its many benefits.
NEWS UPDATE
Empowering Drama Teachers Conference – 15-17th April, 2025 at Royal Holloway University Drama Department. This is where I did my first degree so I know it well and would recommend it to anyone!
See: https://www.nationaldrama.org.uk/events/empowering-drama-teachers-conference-2025/
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