ArtsEd Principal Jane Harrison will be stepping down in July 2017 following eight successful years in post.

The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search for a new Principal and we are delighted to announce that Chris Hocking, Deputy Principal, has been appointed and will take up his new role in September 2017.

Chris Hocking is equally delighted: “I am so honoured to take over as Principal from Jane in the new academic year. I am absolutely passionate about the training that we offer at ArtsEd, from the little ones on a Saturday, to Year 7 and right the way through to MA level and beyond. I have very big shoes to fill but relish the challenges that lay ahead. ArtsEd is without doubt the best place to train, the best place to work and the best place to be.”

Jane Harrison added: “Having worked closely with Chris for many years now I know that he has the passion, commitment and vision to take the School forwards to an ever brighter future.”

Everyone at the school would like to congratulate Chris on his appointment as Principal. We look forward to working together to maintain and develop ArtsEd’s position as one of the UK’s leading drama schools.

The Crystal Palace International Film Festival presents a diverse range of independent films from around the world. The winning films are selected by a celebrity and industry judging panel, and presented at screenings across London.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, written by Paul Houghton, produced by Caroline Jeffries and performed by the 2016 ArtsEd acting students, portrays army officers struggling to keep their domestic relationships from interfering with their job. The film was produced as part of ArtsEd’s second annual New Writing Project, which gives students valuable experience of taking a new script from page to screen and offers emerging writers the chance to have their work professionally produced.

ArtsEd is immensely proud that the film won the Best Comedy award, especially as it was the only drama school at the festival and was up against a range of big budget films from as far afield as Australia and Japan.

Accepting the award, Caroline Jeffries, Producer and Head of TV and Film, told the audience:
“ArtsEd is committed to connecting young acting talent with new writing. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang showcases this brilliantly.”

Attending the Gala Finale with Caroline, on behalf of ArtsEd, was Deputy Principal Chris Hocking, Director of Photography Ossi Jalkanen, Editor Robbert Hamilton and the cast Charlotte Price, Gareth Morgan, Richard Lessen and Christian Lee Smith.

Six teachers, including ArtsEd's Head of Part-Time Learning Jonathan Goodwin, were invited by Viral Thread to share their experiences of working with young people. Only at the end of their interview did they find out that they had actually been brought together by former pupils who wanted to say a big thank you for shaping their lives.

The video has struck a chord with teachers and students alike with over 15 million views on facebook.

We are so proud of Jonathan and all of our teachers who inspire and nurture students each and every day!

Sue brings a breadth of fundraising experience following many years of work within the arts industry. She comes to ArtsEd from the Donmar Warehouse where, as Deputy Director of Development, she supported their extraordinary work both onstage and off.   

Sue’s initial focus will be on broadening the base of support to ensure that ArtsEd can continue in its mission to provide  exceptional performing arts training to young people with the greatest talent and potential, regardless of their financial background. 

Jane Harrison, Principal welcomed Sue saying: “Sue is truly brilliant at what she does and we are thrilled that she has been able to join us at ArtsEd.”

Sue added: “I am delighted to have joined the team at ArtsEd, an organisation that is brim-full of passion and commitment. Sharing the excitement of all that goes on here with supporters, existing and potential, is going to be both fascinating and a privilege.”