Samantha Marsden

The Stage

About Samantha Marsden

Samantha Marsden was a freelance drama teacher for 10 years, working for theatre companies, youth theatres and state, private, and special schools. Now she writes drama teaching resources, and fiction, while teaching a little alongside this. She is the author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8 – 18 Year Olds, and the Pocketful of Drama book series, which includes Acting Games for Improv, and Drama Games for Early Years. Instagram @pocketfulofdrama. Twitter @SamMarsdenDrama

Recent Articles

Applied theatre: what is it and is it the right path for you?

Training & Advice

Tutors, course leaders, graduates and practitioners talk to Sam Marsden about what applied theatre really means, what training looks like, and whether it might be the route to success for you

How can drama school graduates make their first year in the theatre industry count?

Training & Advice

Sam Marsden talks to recent theatre graduates and drama school representatives from across the UK about how to navigate the first year after graduation

Eight tips for getting into drama school

Training & Advice

With many drama schools soon to start their audition processes, Sam Marsden asks a range of experts for their best advice on how to impress the audition panel, what to do to prepare and why being yourself is so important

‘Enjoy every moment’: making the most out of your drama school training

Training & Drama Schools

Getting accepted on to a course is just the start of an exciting new chapter – but how do you get the best from the experience, not just as a future theatre professional but also as an individual?

Expert advice on how to prepare for your drama school auditions

Training & Advice

Gearing up for drama school auditions can be a daunting process. Tutors, lecturers and audition panellists from schools including RADA, LIPA and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland tell Samantha Marsden how potential students can prepare

How do you choose between multiple drama school offers?

Training & Advice

It is great to be in a strong position when you’re choosing which drama school to attend – but how do you actually make that call? The Stage breaks down what incoming students should be thinking about before taking the plunge

Five mistakes to avoid in your UCAS application for a performing arts course

Training & Advice

Applying for a performing arts course can be a daunting process – here are some common mistakes to avoid when filling in your UCAS application

Drama schools special | Online or in-person? What should students expect from showcases?

Training & Advice

When choosing a drama school, it’s important to think not just about how the training will help your career, but how you can show your talents to the wider industry. Students and course leaders tell Samantha Marsden about how showcases are adapting

Raising voices: how musical theatre training is evolving for today’s shows

Training & Advice

With contemporary musicals embracing an ever wider range of styles – from heavy rock to hip hop – drama school course leaders tell Samantha Marsden how they are adapting vocal training to prepare students for versatile stage careers

How can youth theatre support young people as life opens back up?

Training & Advice

Young people have been badly affected by the isolating effects of the pandemic, but youth theatre can provide an opportunity for them to socialise and reconnect with the community. Youth theatre leaders tell Samantha Marsden how it can help

How will drama schools operate summer courses in 2021?

Training & Advice

Covid restrictions made 2020 a tough year for drama training, but being forced online has opened up learning to a wider audience. Samantha Marsden looks at some of the courses available this year and how they differ from past offerings

What are the pros and cons of not going to drama school?

Training & Advice

Performers who have forged a career without traditional training tell The Stage about the advantages of not taking a formal drama course, as well as what they may have missed out on

Home-school heroes: best online theatre resources

Features

Over the past year, theatres have made a great effort to bring drama education into people’s homes. Samantha Marsden rounds up a selection of useful free educational resources to inspire the next generation of theatremakers and audiences

Which drama schools or universities should I put on my UCAS application?

Training & Advice

Limiting yourself to five choices of drama school or university can be a daunting process when there are so many options available. Samantha Marsden looks at the questions you need to ask before sending off your UCAS form

How schools and colleges have reimagined training for the Covid era

Training & Advice

Having reopened their doors in September, heads of UK performing arts colleges and sixth forms explain how they have combined online and in-person teaching to prioritise safety while ensuring education standards are maintained

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The Stage

Samantha Marsden

The Stage

About Samantha Marsden

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