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Samantha Marsden

Biography

Sam Marsden was a freelance drama teacher for 10 years, working for theatre companies, youth theatres and state, private, and special schools. Now she is a full-time writer, writing drama teaching resources and fiction. She is the author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8 - 18 Year Olds (Bloomsbury) and her debut novel Under Glass has been optioned for film and TV by former Warner Bros. president of film Greg Silverman’s Stampede Ventures.

Recent Articles

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

Advice | 28 May 21

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?

Advice | 26 May 21

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?

Advice | 13 Apr 21

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?

Advice | 25 Mar 21

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 | 27 Jan 21

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?

Advice | 30 Nov 20

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

Advice | 09 Nov 20

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

What are the dos and don’ts of self-taping drama school auditions?

Advice | 12 Oct 20

Due to the pandemic, auditioning for an acting course is likely to involve performing to camera. Staff and recent applicants give tips on what to do – and what to avoid – to give yourself the best chance of success when applying

Make the most of online drama school training during lockdown

Advice | 26 May 20

During the coronavirus pandemic, drama schools have moved their training online. Students and teachers give Samantha Marsden their top tips for adapting to a virtual training environment

Expert tips on how to begin writing a play in lockdown

Advice | 20 May 20

Lockdown has given many creatives the time and inspiration to start writing, but for others it can be hard to know where to begin. Samantha Marsden speaks to playwrights about their best tips for writing in the new normal