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Samantha Marsden

Biography

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

Eight tips for getting into drama school

Training & AdviceDec 1, 2023

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

Expert advice on how to prepare for your drama school auditions

Training & AdviceOct 18, 2022

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 & AdviceJul 13, 2022

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 & AdviceNov 29, 2021

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 & AdviceOct 12, 2021

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 & AdviceMay 28, 2021

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 & AdviceMay 26, 2021

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 & AdviceApr 13, 2021

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 & AdviceMar 25, 2021

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

FeaturesJan 27, 2021

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