What is the National Drama Festivals Association (NDFA)?

The NDFA is a registered charity (number 295373), formed in 1964 to encourage and support amateur theatre in all its forms and in particular through participation in theatre festivals within the British Isles.

Our patron is Sir Derek Jacobi.

The NDFA is run by volunteers who are heavily involved in the world of amateur theatre – just like our members.

Our objective is to encourage as many groups and audience members as possible to participate in – and enjoy – amateur theatre.   We’re passionate about rewarding those groups who have put their backs into producing exceptional theatre, via the festival medium.

The association runs the National Drama Festival which is a competitive festival of one-act and full-length plays, showcasing the ‘cream of amateur theatre’. It takes place at the end of July each year.

We say it’s the ‘cream’, because we’ve done the filtering for the audience!
You know that the plays you’ll see at the festival really are the best of the best because they’ve performed exceptionally well at a qualifying festival.