ASSOCIATION OF ULSTER DRAMA FESTIVALS
Who we are:
The Association of Ulster Drama Festivals (the AUDF) was formed in 1949 as the umbrella body of all festivals in Northern Ireland and stages a One-Act and a Full-Length Final Festival annually.
We promote the celebration of live theatre and encourage professionally judged competitions, which are the seedbed for actors entering the profession.
The Festival Finals are our showcases. The Northern Ireland One-Act Final Festival is held in January every year. The top three teams having earned a place in the season’s participating Festivals, compete for the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the annual British Final Festival of One-Act Plays, held in June/July each year.
Our objectives are:
- to advance arts and culture for the benefit of the public in Northern Ireland through the promotion, development and celebration of live theatre performances;
- to promote drama festivals and other associated activities in order to keep the tradition of drama festivals alive;
- to advance education by developing the provision of festivals, theatre skills workshops and training for practitioners and the general public;
- to advance arts and culture by supporting the development of collaborations and partnerships through networking, conferences and other events.
The Best in Amateur Drama
AUDF One Act Festival
Bangor, Moira/Belfast and Newtownabbey normally run a 1-Act Drama Festival in October/November each year. This year Enniskillen started a 1-Act Festival with an AUDF section. Unfortunately, Moira are unable to run this year.
Teams entering can gain points for the Northern Ireland One Act Finals which will be held on January 18th in the Belvoir Studio Theatre.
The winner of the N. I. One Act Final Festival has the honour of representing Northern Ireland in the British Final Festival of 1-Act Plays. This will take place in Lichfield on 4/5th July 2025.
Breaking News:
At the AGM held in Portadown town hall on Saturday 19th October, Clare Greer of Bangor Drama Festival was elected Chairperson. She suceeds Ciara McCay, whom we thank for her work over the last three years.
Also at the AGM, the new constitution was adopted, thus allowing the AUDF to progress with its application for charity status. Charity Status has now been achieved. This will assist us in raising funds.
