About the NSA

About us

At the Northern Stage Awards, we are proud to celebrate and recognise the outstanding work of amateur theatre companies across the North-West region. Our mission is to honour creativity, artistic talent, and community spirit - values that are at the core of every successful production.

We are committed to providing a positive, professional adjudication process. Our experienced panel of adjudicators offer detailed, constructive feedback designed to help individuals and companies grow and develop their craft. While we are a newly formed organisation, our adjudicators bring decades of combined experience in both theatre and performance evaluation.

What sets us apart is our dedication to fairness and transparency. Our awards and reports are based on clear statistical data and scoring systems. This ensures that every production is judged equally, and recognition is earned on merit.

The Northern Stage Awards are more than just a competition - they are a celebration of talent, passion, and the incredible amateur theatre community that brings the stage to life throughout the region.

Affiliate Member

Why should you join as an Affiliate member?

A full, in-depth show report is created after every performance.

Reports include:

Cast and crew names.
Production photos (where available).
A comprehensive write-up of at least 1,000 words.
Each report highlights three standout strengths—whether it's costume, set design, or a particularly engaging performance.
Awards are determined through a fair, data-driven system
Adjudicators discuss each production in depth to ensure balanced and accurate decisions.
Reports are delivered within 48 hours of the adjudicator attending the show.
The theatrical season runs from September to August.
An annual awards evening is held every October to celebrate the best of the season.
Virtual events throughout the season
Single point of contact for assistance and help

How to host your adjudicator

How to Host your Adjudicator...

Firstly, please check the ID of your adjudicator - they will be dressed in NSA uniform too. We do request that every adjudicator receives:

A complementary ticket for the adjudicator and one guest at a performance pre-arranged via the NSA Coordinator.
A complementary soft drink for 2 people for the interval of every production.
If available, someone from the society/group to host the adjudicator. We would love to know more about your society and production and may have some queries about various topics such as 'Was this the original cast?' 'Is this anyone's debut performance?' or 'Tell me about someone backstage who supports your production that I don't see.'
The inclusion of our logo to any new posters and programmes from joining us.
The inclusion of our banner inside your programme to show you are proud to be our affiliate member.