There are 7 types of membership:
- Full [Full Member Practising and Full Member Non-practising (formerly 'Retired')] : a qualified teacher of speech and drama with State Degrees or Speech and Drama Diplomas from major Examining Boards.
- Associate: open to experienced teachers without formal teaching qualifications who are recommended by a Member of Council who has seen evidence of their work.
- Friend: interested in - but not teaching speech and/or drama.
- Corporate: available to Schools, Colleges, Institutions and Business Enterprises
- Student: applicants studying for one of the Full membership qualifications OR those holding Grade VIII certificate or its equivalent (eg: LAMDA Gold Medal in Verse and Prose). Students studying for an external Diploma should be sponsored by their tutor.
(Overseas enquirers will be considered for all types of membership at reduced rates. FULL membership will be considered for those working in the field of speech and drama and with qualifications equivalent to those required in the UK.) - Affiliated: open to other Societies with similar interests and aims.
- Youth: Open to those aged 11 – 18 who show an interest in The Society. They must be proposed by either a parent or teacher.
Some benefits of becoming a member;
- Three-Day Residential Summer Conferences held each year in a different location chosen for its interest and the facilities available. Members obtain a reduction in fees.
- One-Day Conference held in association with the Society's Annual Meeting and Luncheon;
- Professional Development Day, usually held the day after the Annual Meeting.
- Regional Meetings, workshops and other functions organised locally by the Regional Representatives.
- Free Copies of its internationally acclaimed Journal, Word Matters (formerly Speech and Drama) and Newsletter. These are published two and three times respectively each year.
- Inclusion in a Register/Directory of Members, which is circulated internationally as well as on line. Members who give private tuition may advertise the fact in the Register and on line in order to attract enquiries from students.
- Various information sheets, including a Fees Guidance Leaflet, Address Lists and a Professional Etiquette leaflet. Information sheets/leaflets are obtainable from the Secretary or can be downloaded from the Members Section.
- Free advice on such matters as training and possibilities for careers in Speech and Drama, for members and students.
- Advice on professional problems. The Society can give can help on various problems concerning terms of employment and a number of minor matters which may arise in the course of their work. However, it is unable to give 'legal aid' funding.
- STSD...INSURANCE SCHEME:
The Society has recognised the need to provide Members with a cost effective insurance scheme specifically designed for teachers of speech and drama plus schools/establishments with cover available through Heath Lambert Group. - Discounts at Samuel French's Theatre Bookshop, London
- Discounts as a Corporate Member of NCA (National Campaign for the Arts); members are entitled to use our membership card of the NCA for concessionary rates at various venues and events.