Presenting the very best of British & International student drama in a 9 day Festival of Theatre, Workshops and Debate. If you have a passion for creating, watching or discussing great theatre then ISDF is for you. Sheffield June 22nd-30th 2012

The most inspirational Festival in the world

For over 50 years, NSDF has been at the heart of the British Theatre, Film and TV industries. In 2012, we go GLOBAL. Here's a hint of what to expect...

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  • 200 Workshops

    Covering every aspect of drama led by some of the most experienced names in the business.

  • 10 International Shows

    Exciting and diverse theatre from right across the globe. Selected from countries including Iran, Zimbabwe, Georgia, Japan and America.

  • 10 UK Shows

    Selected from a record number of entries and continuing NSDF’s tradition of unearthing the talent of the future.

  • 9 Issues Of Noises Off

    The festival's infamous and entirely student created daily newspaper. Get your voice heard by some of the biggest names in the industry.

  • 9 Late Nights

    Amazing late night networking, music, comedy and dance - not to mention memories that will last a life-time.

Latest News

Check here for news and special offers on ISDF and theatres around the UK.

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  • Chip Bailey for Duke Special

    May 16, 2012

    Chip Bailey

    Chip is a unique and multi-talented drummer, endorsed by Jalapeno Drums and plays a beautiful, customised and unusual kit, handmade by David Nuttall. With over 20 years experience of gigs, performances, sessions and workshops, Chip is the regular drummer/percussionist with Duke Special. He has toured with and supported among others, Snow Patrol, Crowded House, Van Morrison, The Beautiful [...]

  • Rob Swain for Birkbeck

    May 16, 2012

    Rob Swain

    . Rob Swain is a theatre director who runs the MFA Theatre Directing at Birkbeck University of London: a two-year vocational training for theatre directors. For five years he was the artistic director of Harrogate Theatre and before that the associate director of the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire and the London Bubble. He has twice won [...]

  • Douglas Hodge for Menier Chocolate Factory

    May 16, 2012

    Douglas Hodge

    Douglas is an award winning actor and director. Directing credits include DIMETOS and ABSURDIA at the Donmar Warehouse where he was Associate Director, SEE HOW THEY RUN (West End and National Tour), LAST EASTER  (Birmingham), and DUMB WAITER AND OTHER PIECES  (Oxford Playhouse). On television he has directed FOREST PEOPLE which he also co-wrote as [...]

  • David Babani for Menier Chocolate Factory

    May 16, 2012

    David Babani

    David is the founder and Artistic Director of one of London’s most exciting venues, the Menier Chocolate Factory. Current productions include Abigail’s Party in the West End at Wyndham’s Theatre; Without You starring Anthony Rapp at this year’s Edinburgh Festival and international tour; Ruby Wax: Losing It in South Africa and La Cage aux Folles [...]

  • Paul Smethurst for Re:Bourne/New Adventures

    May 16, 2012

    Paul Smethurst

    Paul trained at the London Studio Centre where he was the recipient of the Merryfield Award for Musical Theatre and the Elizabeth West award for Contemporary Dance. He joined the Intoto Dance Company in his final year, performing works by Raphael Bonachela, Janet Smith, Luca Silvestrini, Michael Popper and Isira Makululowe. Upon graduating Paul joined [...]

  • Amanda Piña

    May 15, 2012

    Amanda Pina

    Amanda Piña, studied Physical Theatre in Santiago de Chile,(Jacques Lecoq methodology) and Contemporary Dance and Choreography in Barcelona (AREA), Salzburg (SEAD) and Choreographic centre Montpellier, (direction Mathilde Monnier). In 2005 she founded her company nadaproductions with base in Vienna. She worked with choreographers such as DD. Dorvillier, Ewa Bankowska, Daniel Aschwanden, Frans Poelstra & Robert Stejin, [...]