Jane Harrison is retiring from ArtsEd in July after eight successful years of leading the school as Principal and eight years prior to that as Director of the School of Acting. She has overseen many changes and improvements during her time in post, including the launch of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre in 2013.

At a recent leaving party at ArtsEd, Jane said that she was sad to be saying goodbye to staff and students, but knows that Chris Hocking (pictured above with Jane), currently Deputy Principal and Director of the School of Musical Theatre, will do a “fantastic job” when he takes up the role of Principal in September.

Mark Burch, Chair of the Trustees, thanked Jane for all her hard work and dedication over the years, while long-term member of staff Elspeth Morrison delivered a rousing farewell speech full of memories and good humour.

Everyone at ArtsEd would like to thank Jane for her huge contribution and wish her all the best for the future. She will, of course, be invited to all the shows!

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We are delighted to announce David Grindrod’s appointment as Vice President of ArtsEd.  David has been an advocate and ambassador of ArtsEd for many years and a trustee since 2011.  His new role will build on this foundation of invaluable support and we are thrilled that students and staff alike will continue to benefit from the generosity with which David shares his extraordinary expertise and experience.   

“One of the joys of my daily life is finding and working with new talent and I look forward to continuing my association with ArtsEd, an organisation that truly understands how to develop the potential of their students.”

Jane Harrison, Principal says: “We are immensely pleased that David will be continuing his long-standing support of ArtsEd in the role of Vice President.  We are very lucky indeed to have someone of his experience and reputation working with us all.”

David launched David Grindrod Associates in 1998 specialising in casting for musical theatre across the West End and internationally, as well as casting for film and television. Key ventures include Mary Poppins Returns (Disney), School of Rock (New London), Beauty and the Beast (Disney), Bat Out of Hell (London Coliseum), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Groundhog Day (Old Vic) and Mamma Mia! The Movie (Universal).

ArtsEd's full-time Foundation students have had an exceptional year and many are going on to university or drama school, with several staying on to train at ArtsEd.

“Through much laughter, sweat and determination my foundation group kept focused and worked diligently all year, achieving great success in their auditions. It was very rewarding to watch the students' talent blossom as their understanding, confidence and ability grew throughout the course….  it was a win win situation for everyone!”

Heather Robbins, Head of Musical Theatre Foundation Course

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Musical Theatre Foundation 2016/17 Destinations

Alexandre Blin and Chloe Rice have accepted places at the London School of Musical Theatre (LSMT).

Jayden Booroff, Daniel Falber, Ainsley Fannen, David Mairs-McKenzie, Meagan Mackenzie, Liam Santos and Karen Wilkinson have all accepted Mountview.

Annie Imrie-Cook has been offered LSMT/Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) but is waiting to hear from RCS before deciding.

Shona Eaton and Meagan Power will be taking up places at ArtsEd.

Alex Fentiman, Anna Morgan and Tasmin Wilson have all been offered places at PPA.

Jonathon O’Neill has accepted a place at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Acting Foundation 2016/17 Destinations and Courses

Emeka Diamond – Lancaster University, BA Drama and Creative Writing

Charlotte Becque – East 15, BA Physical Theatre

Joel Lambert – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Matilda Childs – East 15, BA World Performance

Poppy Sheppard – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Michael Bunga – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Anne De Guibert – East 15, BA Contemporary Theatre

Elicia-Valentine Jones – Bristol University, BA Theatre and Film

Charlie O’Conner – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Rose Nesbit – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Brittany Sitwell – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Lewis Charlton – National Youth Theatre

Olivia Hespe – National Youth Theatre

Congratulations to all our Foundation students!

For more information see Acting Foundation Course, which is run in association with Lyric Hammersmith, and Musical Theatre Foundation Course. Both courses were designed by Chris Hocking, Deputy Principal and Director of the School of Musical Theatre, and are led by the successful BA (Hons) Acting and Musical Theatre teams.