The STSD was established soon after the Second World War from the amalgamation of two much earlier Associations formed to protect the professional interests of qualified, specialist teachers of Speech and Drama, to encourage good standards of teaching and to promote the study and knowledge of Speech and Dramatic Art in every form. The aims of the Society today are much the same, although its interests have broadened to include the business world.  Close links have been forged with the Drama Schools and Examination Boards and its publications are read world wide. Its President, Jill Balcon, actress and widow of C.Day Lewis, takes a lively interest in the Society's progress - as do its Honorary Patrons: Polly Adams, Barbara Jefford OBE, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Andrew Motion and Zoë Wanamaker Hon.CBE. The Society now offers its members the following benefits and amenities:- Free and post free copies of its Journal, Word Matters (formerly Speech and Drama) and of the Newsletter. These are published two and three times respectively each year. Various information sheets, including an annually updated Fees Guidance Leaflet, Address Lists, a Professional Etiquette leaflet and others. A list of available leaflets is obtainable from the Secretary. The opportunity to attend Regional Meetings, recitals and  other functions organised locally by the Regional Representatives. In some areas where there are very few members you can be kept in touch with the Society's activities by post if you wish. The opportunity to attend a Three-Day Residential Summer Conference held each year in a different location chosen for its interest and the facilities available; a One-Day Conference held in association with the Society's Annual Meeting and Luncheon; a Professional Development Day, usually held the day after the Annual Meeting. Free advice on such matters as training and possibilities for careers in Speech and Drama, for members and students. Inclusion in a Register of Members, which is circulated internationally. Members who give private tuition may, if they so wish, indicate in their record that they teach privately in order to attract enquiries from students. They may also be included on the Web site database. 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 your 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.  If Members fail to protect themselves with liability insurance their personal assets could be at risk following injury, loss, damage to property or financial loss including legal costs in defending any action.   Cover is given, inter alia, for activities relating to the disciplines of choral-speaking, dance-drama, dramatic-art, improvisation, mime, music-and-movement, musical-theatre, stage-craft, voice and speech training.   Members are recommended to protect themselves and their assets with the liability cover available.  An application form, with fuller information, may be obtained from Heath Lambert Group FREEPOST WR657 Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 1BR. email: STSD@heathlambert.com Discounts are available at Samuel French's Theatre Bookshop, London and at Marston Hotels. As a Corporate Member of NCA (National Campaign for the Arts), members are entitled to use their card for concessionary rates at various venues and events. Click here to access the NCA website and the page showing these venues. Click here to email for the STSD username and password for entry to the members' page of NCA (you don't need to enter the members' page for the list of venues offering concessionary rates). Please place " NCA Member Page" in the subject line of your email.