For Students
Discover our tailor-made resources for students, inside and outside the classroom.
Whether you are studying a play in class, in need of an audition monologue or are curious to learn something new, you are in the right place.
In this specialist section for students, you can learn about playwrights in interviews, listen to extracts of plays, explore plays in our production database, and find monologues.
Curious about a career in theatre? Find volunteering opportunities, placements and more from the National Theatre (located on the South Bank) and the National Theatre Archive (located next to the Old Vic Theatre on the Cut) – these links open in new tabs.
Want to know even more? Why not head over to That Black Theatre Podcast to learn more from PhD student Nadine Deller, who interviews everyone from playwright Roy Williams, to Black Theatre scholar Lynette Goddard.
Explore interviews
Want to know more about a practitioner? Listen to them in interviews made specifically for the Black Plays Archive.
Explore monologue resources
Need an audition monologue? Check out this variety of classic and contemporary pieces by Black writers.
Spotlight on: Alterations In Focus
Cherrelle Skeete, Arinze Kene, and Gershwyn Eustace Jr in Alterations. Photo by Helen Murray.
The National Theatre’s Young People’s Programme is lifting the lid on the upcoming production of Alterations.
Come and take part in a day of workshops at the National Theatre and National Theatre Archive to explore the process of making the play, alongside the creative teams working across the production.
This workshop day is aimed at theatre-makers and people aged 18-25 who have an interest in how we document and archive the theatre-making process; you could be interested in performing, directing, playwrighting, design, or archiving – everyone is welcome. Each workshop has a different focus but aims to enhance your understanding of how productions are made by exploring different elements throughout the day.
These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!
As part of the day you will also receive a free ticket to see the production that same evening. Apply for Alterations In Focus (opens in a new tab).
More resources to explore
Listen to our Podcast
Explore That Black Theatre Podcast, hosted by PhD student Nadine Deller focusing on all things Black Theatre and its history in the UK.
Play extracts
Explore audio recordings of plays like Leave Taking, Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads and more.
Essays and articles
Explore relevant academic essays and articles covering the works of playwrights and theatre-makers from within the Black Plays Archive.
Jenni George, Karen Tomlin, and Ginny Holder in Leave Taking at the National Theatre. Photo © Richard H Smith.
Browse the archive
Search our catalogue of first productions, from 1930 to today from all over the diaspora.
Contact us
Have a question about the BPA or information to improve our records? Get in touch with us here.
Privacy policy
Curious about our privacy and takedown policy? Find out more about how we protect your copyright.
National Theatre Archive
Dive into an exciting world of theatre history inside the National Theatre Archive. This link opens in a new tab.