Leeds alumna receives Buzz Goodbody Director Award

Jessica Meade, a graduate from the University of Leeds, was awarded at the National Student Drama Festival (NSDF 23) for exceptional potential as a theatre director.

Jess will receive a £1000 cash prize to be used to develop her practice and/or knowledge, experience and appreciation of theatre and drama, and will be offered ongoing mentorship from NSDF. The prize is funded by The Royal Theatrical Support Trust. 

Nathan Powell, Artistic Director said “NSDF is thrilled to make this Award, which recognises Jess’ exceptional potential as a theatre director on the basis of her wonderful production of Touch, which she brought to NSDF 2023 with her brilliant company, FLOOD. Jess wins a £1000 cash prize, funded by The Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) – to be used to develop her practice and/or knowledge, experience and appreciation of theatre and drama. Jess will also be offered mentoring from NSDF. NSDF is grateful to Mark Hawes and all at the RTST for their kind and vital support of NSDF and the young artists we work with.”

The Grant memorialises Mary Ann – nick-named “Buzz” – Goodbody. Buzz was the celebrated first female director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the driving force behind the establishment of its studio theatre, The Other Place at Stratford-upon-Avon, in the early 1970s, which later spawned the Warehouse in London: the Donmar today. Buzz died tragically in 1975, aged 28.

Jess graduated from Leeds in 2018 where she studied BA Theatre and Performance in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries. 

To find out more about our undergraduate courses visit the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.