NSDF Ensemble 2008

1)   Take a group of very excited students. 

2)   Put them in a venue in Scarborough and watch them for approximately two hours. 

3)   Take them off the stage and sprinkle them with opportunities. 

4) Serve them with ensembles, showcases and contacts in Europe. The result will be one irreplaceable NSDF experience garnished with excellent memories. (Anna Wheatley)

The NSDF Ensemble 08 provided me with highly valuable information, theatre experience and the opportunity to work with not only well established professionals but some of the most talented students in the Country.  As a student entering into a professional career in acting, I find myself with a supportive unit of friends of whom I can call upon when I need the knowledge and experience of others in the profession. (Catherine Pugh)

This year's ensemble was a fantastic week, exceeding all expectations I had. The work that we were prompted to do and the ideas we were prompted to consider have since encourgaed me to think far more about the creative side of theatre-making rather than remaining in the comfort zone of solely acting. (Hatty Preston)

Having experienced the NSDF Ensemble, I really came to understand how much work goes into realising the festival itself. The ensemble is a golden opportunity to get to know the organisers and their particular talents. They make sure every moment in Oxford is filled with teaching the members of the ensemble skills which relate to those talents which may never be taught on any course. It is a wonderful way to meet some fellow performers/directors/producers outside the rush of the NSDF, and experience some free theatre! It is so brimming with energy, and those responsible put in so much effort to ensure the members of the ensemble have the most fun they've had since the festival, learn some invaluable new skills, and spend some time in a beautiful town! (Alexander Morgan)

The ensemble was a wonderful way to end the whole NSDF experience. The group were an excellent bunch and it was lovely to work with everyone in such a focused and creative environment. (Ross Drury)

It was a real honour to be part of the NSDF Ensemble 2008. Having the unique opportunity to meet and work with the selected students from other universities was really exciting. The ensemble leaders, James and Alan, were really helpful and set us some difficult but interesting challenges that allowed us to experiment with innovative approaches to devising. I particularly valued the workshops with visiting artists who shared their professional experiences of the many aspects of the drama and theatre industry. It was a really fun week in a lovely part of the country, I met some fantastic people, and I’ll always remember the experience. (Rachel King)

I would recommend the NSDF Ensemble to anyone who is planning on undertaking Drama School training in the near future. It helps you get into a routine of turning up each day of the week with an open mind and prepares you for working creatively with total strangers. On the other side of it, it is a great chance to meet other student actors and to see some interesting new theatre (and the shows are free!!!). (James Cooke)

I found the ensemble to be a really exciting four days, catching up with old friends and meeting new people all interested in the theatre and how the theatre works. The workshops were varied and interesting, teaching and encouraging the exploration of all different types of medium in theatre. They had guests who specialised in specific things to take workshops, including writers, choreographers, Digital/Visual artists and some professional actors, including the MR.ALAN COX- which certainly developed my understanding of agents and the theatre industry. The ensemble is a place where questions of all kinds can be asked, in a relaxed and fun environment, giving you you the opportunity to talk to professionals without having to feel like you need to impress them. Plus it is a great place to get some contacts for any future projects. (Emma Waslin)