Transparency - How the award process works

We pride ourselves on the transparency of our process.

1. Scoring

All of our adjudicators are trained to follow the same assessment process, ensuring fairness and consistency across every production. Performers are evaluated across a range of categories, including:

Projection
Diction and Clarity
Characterisation
Emotional Engagement
Stage Presence
Timing and Pacing
Interaction and Ensemble Work
Vocal or Physical Technique
Use of Space
Audience Engagement

2. Data Control

The coordinator ensures the data is accurate and that scoring is fair across all adjudicators. If one adjudicator's average is slightly lower than the others, scores may be adjusted to bring all averages in line for consistency over the season.

Each production receives an overall score and a cast average, while crew members are also assessed for creativity and achievement.

All scores remain confidential until the annual awards are announced.

3. Fair deliberation

Each July, the NSA team gathers to review data, scores, and celebrate the achievements of every production. This annual meeting allows for thoughtful reflection on the year's successes. If multiple individuals or groups receive the same score, adjudicators engage in open discussion to fairly determine the final outcome. These conversations ensure that decisions are based on context, merit, and the overall impact of each performance.

4. Nominees Released

The list of nominees for all award categories is published publicly, allowing societies and individuals to celebrate their achievements and build anticipation for the event.

At the same time, bookings for the annual awards evening officially open. To ensure proper coordination, all tickets must be reserved through your society’s designated officials.

Early booking is encouraged, as spaces are limited and the event is expected to be a highlight of the theatre calendar.

5. Annual Awards Evening

The annual awards evening will reveal all the winners, celebrating excellence across every aspect of theatre, from onstage performances to backstage contributions, and across all genres of production. It’s a night to recognise the incredible talent and dedication within our theatre community.

In addition to individual and team awards, every participating society will receive a Certificate of Achievement listing all their nominees, as a lasting reminder of their success and recognition.

6. Winners and Data Revealed

The full list of winners and nominees will be uploaded to our website after the awards event. This allows everyone to view the final scores and see how each decision was reached.

Sharing this information helps demonstrate the transparency and fairness of the adjudication process, ensuring that all nominees and winners were recognised based on merit and consistent evaluation criteria.

This data will be available for everyone to see publicly.