It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Denys Rawson, renowned Music Director and, since 1998, Repertoire Tutor for the School of Musical Theatre.  

 A successful Music Director for many years, Denys worked in both West End and touring productions including Oliver! (when Cameron Mackintosh was Stage Manager), Gypsy, Evita and in 1990, Carousel, starring our very own Chris Hocking and Phil Sutton.  

Denys began teaching at ArtsEd in 1998 and ever since he generously shared, with students and staff alike, his rich industry knowledge and expertise.     

ArtsEd Alumnus Gary Jerry talks about Denys’ natural flair as an accompanist:  

“For auditions, performance classes and singing assessments, Denys was always the person you wanted accompanying you. He was always so attentive to each individual performer’s needs and had the flexibility to work with the acting choices you made. Not many musical directors can create such great chemistry and connections with those they are working with the way Denys did.”  

Ann James, Singing Tutor for The School of Musical Theatre, was friends with Denys for over 40 years. She remembers touring across the UK with him for the Arts Council: 

“We performed in really obscure places around the country, and when we were touring in some rural areas in Wales, we had to do a round trip back to Pembrokeshire because one of the tenors had left his wig in a drawer! Denys was such a laugh and a really instinctive musician. You knew you were in safe hands when he was MD.”  

Denys was also a brilliant raconteur and had countless unforgettable and hilarious tales, that ArtsEd staff and graduates still reminisce upon today.  

Huw Geraint-Griffith, Head of Music for The School of Musical Theatre, remembers Denys’ infectious personality: 

“He loved a get together. I have such fond memories of him in bright and colourful shirts at 3rd year’s leaving drinks in the Summer term. You could hardly see him as he’d be surrounded by students, but you could always hear his laugh! 

A few years ago, Denys and Ann James came over for Sunday lunch. Well, between the two of them, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my life. From the moment they arrived, it was laugh-a-minute. By the end of the afternoon, I felt completely drunk, which wouldn’t have been surprising, but when I checked how many bottles we’d gone through, we’d hardly had any. He was enough of a tonic himself.  

I think that the main thing I will remember of Denys will be, that I always felt better after seeing him than I did before. I know that his students felt the same after having a lesson with him, which is what made him such a great teacher.” 

Paul Smith, former Repertoire and Music Director for both the School of Musical Theatre and the Day School talks about Denys’ influence on future generations: 

“When my stepson Jamie was eleven years old, we bumped into Denys in Richmond. Denys spent time chatting with Jamie about anything and everything, and he was so inspired at how knowledgeable and kind Denys was. All these years later, Jamie is now the Co-Director of SIX The Musical!” 

And lastly, ArtsEd Principal Chris Hocking remembers working with Denys on Carousel: 

“I first worked with Denys in 1990 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (now The Leeds Playhouse) on a wonderful production of Carousel. He was such an inspiring Musical Director and the ensemble singing on that show was so tight because of him. When I arrived at ArtsEd in 1999 it was such a delight to be able to work with Denys again and to have the chance to re-visit Carousel with third year students. Denys’ showbiz stories were legendary and he was such a witty raconteur! I will ensure that Denys is never forgotten at ArtsEd.” 

Denys will be enormously missed by all the staff and graduates who worked with him over the years. His teaching influenced and encouraged generations of ArtsEd students and all remember him with pride.  

We are delighted to announce that ITV drama, Finding Alice is set for release early 2021. Featuring our very own Sixth Form alumna, Isabella Pappas, playing the role of Alice and Harry’s 16-year-old daughter Charlotte, the cast also stars; Keeley Hawes, Joanna Lumley, ArtsEd alumnus and Patron, Nigel Havers, Jason Merrells, Gemma Jones, Kenneth Cranham and Sharon Rooney.

Production began in January this year, with Keeley Hawes starring as Alice, a widow going through a blackly comic journey of grief after the death of her husband, Harry.

Nicola Shindler, RED Production Company CEO and executive producer said:

“To have such a strong calibre of actors join the cast alongside Keeley to breathe life into these complex characters is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to audiences meeting them.” 

Excited to see all their hard work come together, Isabella said:

“Finding Alice was an incredible experience. Working with acting legends everyday felt like a dream, and I left set each day having learned something new. The support from ArtsEd during that time made everything possible. My A Level Drama group met outside of my filming hours for our final project, allowing me to complete the course. I am so excited for everyone to see what we have created.”

Find out more about ArtsEd’s Day School & Sixth Form here.

We are delighted to announce that the builders have left and that our wonderful new building is nearly ready.  It is an impressive feat to have taken possession just eighteen months since the Studio Theatre was knocked down and we are very grateful for the patience and support of all of our students, staff and neighbours.

There is still quite a lot of work to do before we can move in fully. Final touches include colourful vinyls across all three floors, built-in desks in the new Day School & Sixth Form classrooms, workstations in the new HE Hub, signage so we don’t get lost and lastly, furniture for the wonderful new communal spaces in the Atrium.

We expect the work to be complete for the start of the Spring term in January 2021. Our current  ‘soft opening’ has students and staff enjoying classes in the new dance studios and rehearsal rooms, making sure everywhere is ready for a full timetable in the new year.

Chris Hocking, ArtsEd Principal said:

“I have been so impressed and grateful for the grace with which everyone has dealt with the disruption of the building work. I am certain that everyone will agree it was worthwhile when they come and see this wonderful addition to our Chiswick home!”

We hope that it won’t be too long before we can celebrate the creation of this fantastic new facility in person, with everyone that made it possible.  In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our full virtual launch in the new year.

ArtsEd are delighted to announce the appointment of David Ian to their board of trustees. 

Chief Executive of his eponymous production company, and the recipient of five Olivier awards and three Tony nominations, David is a world-renowned theatre producer with a highly successful career spanning over 30 years. Prior to his first forays in producing (collaborating with Paul Nicholas), David had a successful acting career, appearing in productions such as The Pirates of Penzance, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Rocky Horror Show. 

From 2005, David was Chairman and CEO of the global theatrical division of Live Nation having previously joined the group in 2000 when it was part of Clear Channel, the largest theatrical group in the world. At Live Nation, David was responsible for Broadway Across America, which produced, and toured first class Broadway shows in over 40 cities in the United States and Canada. He was simultaneously CEO of the UK division, which included over 25 theatres both in London’s West End and most regional markets in the UK. 

David Ian Productions is responsible for scores of West End, international and UK touring shows, with multiple forthcoming projects waiting in the wings, ready for when theatre emerges from Covid-19 forced closures.  

David has a long association with the school, both as a friend and valued industry connection and, more recently, as parent to ArtsEd Sixth Form and Musical Theatre degree graduate, Emily Lane. 

Of his appointment, David said: 

“I look forward to developing my long-standing connection with ArtsEd as a member of the Board of Trustees.  

 ArtsEd has long been at the forefront of exceptional performing arts training and I’m delighted to lend my support during such an exciting period in the organisation’s long history. The wonderful new extension to their Chiswick home is just one in a series of developments that include innovative changes to the curriculum and a step change in the diversity of the faculty, that will secure ArtsEd’s reputation as a centre of excellence for many years to come.”  

ArtsEd Principal, Chris Hocking said: 

“I’m thrilled at David Ian’s appointment to ArtsEd’s Board of Trustees. His position in the theatre industry as a renowned and respected producer of large-scale shows has long been cemented and we have enjoyed an association with him for many years. As well as providing a wealth of knowledge as a producer, David’s early career as a performer also means he knows what it’s like from the point of view of our students as they enter the industry. This empathetic view of all areas of the performing arts is incredibly valuable to us. His influence on our board will be instrumental as we continue to offer the very best in performing arts training the UK has to offer. I very much look forward to working with him.” 

Sunday 25 October was a night dedicated to celebrating the theatre industry both at The Black British Theatre Awards (Sky Arts) and The Olivier Awards (ITV). ArtsEd had several alumni nominated and is thrilled that two came away with winner’s trophies on the night! ArtsEd proudly sponsor the BBTA’s Mentorship Programme, an emerging scheme focussed on introducing young, black people to the theatre industry where they may not otherwise have access.

ArtsEd Musical Theatre alumna, Miriam-Teak Lee was awarded Best Actress in a Musical at both The Black British Theatre Awards and The Olivier Awards for her performance in Max Martin’s new musical, &Juliet. Miriam’s award sees her triple-crowned in 2020 as she won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Actress in a Musical in the spring.

ArtsEd Acting graduate, Rachel Nwokoro was awarded the Disability Champion Award at the Black British Theatre Awards – only one month after her win at The Stage Debut Awards for Best Performer in a Play for her performance in Little Baby Jesus at Orange Tree Theatre.

Delighted by her win at the Olivier Awards, Miriam-Teak said:

“This is absolutely incredible! My mum always said to me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it […] so I hope I can inspire children who want to get into this business, knowing they can do anything.”

Rachel gave an emotional speech at the Black British Theatre Awards, declaring repeatedly: “They can’t stop us!”, which received a standing ovation. She said:

“Thank you for all this divine love, visibility and recognition. It’s honestly such a welcome gift at a time of such fear and false scarcity… Bring on the ABUNDANCE my loves.”

ArtsEd graduates Jac Yarrow (Musical Theatre) and Zizi Strallen (Day School) were also nominated at The Oliviers for Best Actor and Actress in a Musical in a Musical respectively for their leading roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Mary Poppins.

Renowned lyricist, Don Black, an ArtsEd Associate Artist, received the Special Award for his outstanding contribution to theatre and was interviewed for the television broadcast with ArtsEd President, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

PHOTOS: Miriam-Teak Lee (pictured left) and Rachel Nwokoro. Photo credit: The Black British Theatre Awards.

Julie Spencer, Director of the School of Acting at ArtsEd featured in two articles this week discussing the evolution of drama training and the drive for change, especially in regard to representation in conservatoires.

Bush Theatre held a conversation with Julie on their platform ‘Bush Green’, where Julie spoke about her experiences as a black woman in the arts, and how she has developed the acting courses at ArtsEd to better reflect the cohort of students:

“[The biggest change I’ve made is] being a woman, and Black, and just being here. I also think broadening the curriculum so that students can learn through their own lens shows you how extraordinary, young Black and Brown students are. They have been learning through someone else’s lens all this time and they’re still succeeding, they’re still willing. But they’re still learning through someone else’s lens. That takes so much time and energy and resilience to be able to do that. My thing is about learning through your own lens. You cannot learn through a 40-year-old white man’s lens, which is what people have been doing.”

This was shortly followed by an article in The Stage by Lyn Gardener, discussing how drama schools should go about adapting with the times, gathering opinions from across the sector. Julie stands proudly on the side of change:

“Actor training can’t remain static. If you have different students in the room, you have to respond to that. It’s about widening the canon and the curriculum, not losing rigour, […] when you shift privilege, there are always people who complain something is being lost”.

Photo: Julie Spencer with Acting students. Credit: Robin Savage

No one could have predicted the pivotal role Brian E. Cook would play in ArtsEd’s history, particularly following his first encounter with the school. Stepping in to cover a handful of drama classes for a friend in 1966, Brian felt that the actor training lacked focus and depth, particularly compared to the dance provision at the time. Much to his surprise, just one year later, he was asked to help set up ArtsEd’s first dedicated drama course to address these very observations.  A mutual agreement was made that Brian would be given two years to get the course established, and he in turn would guarantee the same. Brian ended up staying for ten years, creating a renowned drama training programme and lasting legacy.

Alongside Lisle Jones and Hilary Wood, Brian launched the drama course in September 1968. Calling on his experience and contacts as an actor and director, Brian brought in tutors and guest directors from the industry, an important aspect of the training that continues today. Having previously worked with Brian Way, Founder of Theatre Centre and pioneer of Theatre in Education, Brian was amongst the first to provide students with the opportunity to explore this work and perform in local schools. He led the team during the school’s move to the old Cripplegate Institute at the Barbican in 1969, which would become known as Golden Lane House. It was here that Brian helped to cement the course’s future by securing course validation from the Department of Education. This recognition was critical in providing vital access to tuition fee funding for a number of students and it wasn’t long before funding was made available to all students, thanks to further accreditation through the Conference of Drama Schools, also established by Brian.

In just a few short years under Brian’s leadership, graduates of the newly formed drama course were entering the industry and securing professional work, despite the tough competition at the time…

“In view of Equity’s report in 1970 that more people are being trained for the theatre than the profession can absorb, it is encouraging that few of the drama students have found difficulty in obtaining employment.” Mr V.B.V Powell, Secretary to the Arts Educational Trust, May 1972

In 1976, Brian and Bridget Crowley (Head of Dance) saw a missed opportunity in drama school training and created what’s believed to be the first dedicated musical theatre course, restructuring what was known at the time as the mixed ‘Fifty Fifty’ course. This musical theatre course would grow into the internationally renowned training that we are known for today, thanks in part to Brian’s role in clarifying and strengthening the school’s offering of dedicated courses.

In 1978 Brian left ArtsEd to take his place at theological college and train as a Priest. Even after his departure, the legacy of his work lived on and he remained connected to ArtsEd for many years through Yvette his wife, who also taught on the drama and musical theatre courses.

Brian E. Cook will be remembered as an important and influential figure in ArtsEd’s 100 year history. He helped lay the foundations for the school as we now know it and left a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to be taught by him.

With thanks to Yvette Byrne and Bridget Crowley

Picture: Hilary Wood, Bernard Douglas, Brian Cook, Yvette Byrne, Lisle Jones at ArtsEd’s Campbell-Orde Memorial Lecture, 1974

For further reading, please enjoy Francis Wright’s blog on ‘As You Like It’ and the ArtsEd Class of 1976.

Congratulations to Chris Coleman (stage name: CJ Coleman) who is in the final year of his BA Acting degree at ArtsEd, and is the recent recipient of a Sir John Gielgud Bursary Award!  

Just twenty-two bursaries are awarded annually by the Sir John Gielgud Charitable Trust, to talented students at leading drama schools around the UK.  The funds provided help students in their final year, easing the challenging transition from drama training to life as a working actor. 

Chris developed his passion for acting at Durham School, where he was awarded a Drama Scholarship. He expanded his skills at Northern Star Theatre Arts in Sunderland. Chris began his time at ArtsEd on their Foundation Acting course, successfully moving onto the three-year degree course in 2018.  

Throughout his time at ArtsEd, Chris has proved his dedication and strong work ethic, which has been recognised by his colleagues and teachers. The Director of the School of Acting, Julie Spencer said:  

“Chris is so deserving of the Sir John Gielgud Award and is an exemplary student. Congratulations from The School of Acting team for his achievement!”  

Over the last couple of years, drama training has been accused of being elitist and financially inaccessible.  Julie Spencer is committed to ensuring that talent, not money, is the key criteria to accessing ArtsEd’s industry leading training.  She said: 

“If you’re good enough to be here, if you have the potential we’re looking for, I’ll move mountains to make it happen. We offer places based on ability, not bank balance. Our regional auditions demonstrate my commitment to removing as many barriers as possible for those who want to pursue an acting career.” 

Thrilled with the award, Chris said:  

“To win this award is such a privilege, I cannot express my gratitude enough not only to the Trust for awarding it to me, but also to ArtsEd for nominating me for it. It is a real honour and one that fills me with pride!  

It’s truly mind-boggling to think that I’m now in my third and final year of the course, and my fourth year of being at ArtsEd including the Foundation Acting course. I have deeply cherished my time at the school, where I have made friendships for life. The school has not only developed my skills as a performer, but as a person as well – and for that I am so grateful. It has been an incredible journey, and I am so excited to see what this next year has in store for all of us!” 

Geri Feeney, Principal of Northern Star Theatre Arts, is thrilled that Chris has received such a significant award, and recalls fondly his time at the Sunderland school: 

“Chris trained at Northern Star when he was younger, and it was clear from our first meeting that he possessed a real flair and natural talent for acting. We are all incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to following his career.” 

ArtsEd Sixth Form students have taken on 2020 with positivity and determination, which is certainly reflected in the excellent results achieved this year. Current restrictions due to Covid-19 meant that students received their results via email and then had the opportunity to connect virtually with the curriculum team if they wished to do so. 

On Thursday 13th August, students celebrated brilliant A Level and BTEC results, achieving 89% A*-B, with 50% of all results being A* and A, and BTEC results are once again 100% DDD or better, with 83% at D*D*D* – equivalent to three A Levels at A and A* respectively. 

Many students have been accepted into excellent drama schools and universities, such as: Bird College, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, ArtsEd BA (Hons) and Foundation courses, London Studio Centre, Central School of Speech & Drama, NYU Tisch School of Performing Arts, East 15, University of Arts London, University of Surrey, Queen Mary University of London, University of Surrey, Bristol University and Warwick University.  

Meanwhile, some students have gone straight into professional work, with Isabella Pappas set to play the protagonist’s 16-year-old daughter Charlotte in new six-part ITV drama: Finding Alice, starring; Keeley Hawes, Joanna Lumley, ArtsEd alumnus and Patron, Nigel Havers, Jason Merrells, Gemma Jones, Kenneth Cranham and Sharon Rooney. 

A slightly different results day, with online celebrations rather than in-person, Adrian Blake, ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form Headteacher said:  

“This year our students have been living the ArtsEd values like never before, with Resilience, Teamwork, and Empathy being necessary qualities every single day.  Year 13 have faced so many challenges, and their A Level and BTEC results demonstrate the strengths they have as performers, as learners, and as people, and I am so proud of every single one of them. As a cohort they have achieved excellent results. This is a fantastic achievement in any school year, but under the difficult conditions of 2020, this group have still been able to shine. I wish them every success as they take their next steps, and I know we will see them all again – not only at their graduation event at ArtsEd in December, but following their dreams on stage and screen.”   

Mark Ferrington, Head of Sixth Form said: 

“I am immensely proud of each and every student. This year has been so difficult, but we are celebrating many fantastic results and amazing destinations for our Sixth Form students. We wish them all the very best and look forward to seeing them all again at our graduation event later in the year”. 

ISI Report, November 2019: “The teaching is excellent – it is a principal factor in the high levels of achievement at all levels” 

Sixth Form student, Imi Hasna said:

“I wouldn’t have achieved these results if I wasn’t continuously and persistently motivated by the teachers at ArtsEd. Their phenomenal drive and excellent care for each and every one of us really proves to be a unique and successful way to make sure students are pushed to be their best, whilst maintaining their general well-being. The special thing about ArtsEd was that I felt personally looked after, but challenged at the same time – and that’s how all schools should be! I’m very happy and proud to be going to Warwick this autumn, and I must thank ArtsEd for helping me get there over the last two years.” 

Another Year 13 student, Eoin McCaul said: 

“Lots of strange emotions this morning (didn’t open my emails until half ten!) but feeling weirdly calm now. It’s been so lovely hearing from everyone getting their results this morning and remembering all the time and love spent in the last two years. It’s still incredibly surreal to be finishing our courses in this manner but I know I can’t wait to see everyone in the next few months and have these celebrations in person!” 

Lastly, Year 13 student, Noga Levy said: 

“ArtsEd supported me to grow as a person and throughout my A level journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the school for helping me achieve such amazing results. I look forward to staying in touch even as I start my journey at Warwick University!” 

If you are interested in joining ArtsEd’s Sixth Form or Day School, sign up for ArtsEd’s upcoming Open Evenings. Plans are still being finalised, so simply register to keep updated. 

Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Tuesday 22 September at 6pm
Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Wednesday 25 November at 6pm
Day School (Yrs 7-10 Entry) – Wednesday 23 September at 6pm 

PHOTO: Clockwise from top left: Steven Kavuma, Gabrielle Nimo, Kim Vithana, Adam Wallis, Nadine Higgin, Justin Pierre.

ArtsEd are delighted to announce the following appointments.

In September, the School of Acting will welcome Steven Kavuma as Foundation Acting Course Leader and Gabrielle Nimo as Head of Movement.

They will join Kim Vithana, Head of Film, TV and Audio and Joint Head of Third Year BA Acting, and Justin Pierre, Acting Tutor for BA Acting and Foundation as well as Equality, Inclusivity and Diversity Co-ordinator for the School of Acting.

Nadine Higgin will be welcomed as Equality, Inclusivity and Diversity Co-ordinator for the School of Musical Theatre and Head of 2^nd Year, alongside Adam Wallis who will be joining as Senior Voice Tutor.

Kim Vithana joined ArtsEd in November 2019, and her expertise is already apparent in exciting developments in ArtsEd’s screen acting offer.   

Kim’s acting career in film and television spans 30 years and includes working on major channels and prime time shows including Waking the Dead, Midsomer Murders, Holby City, Coronation Street and most recently, Netflix UK’s The Stranger.  

Her appointment as Head of Film & TV at ArtsEd has only strengthened her passion for screen acting. She said: 

“ArtsEd offers the best training and preparation to actors who want to be industry-ready. Stage and Screen go hand in hand here and this makes me hugely excited about working with this innovative team. ArtsEd is simply the future of credible and relevant training.” 

Steven Kavuma is a writer and theatre director who studied Applied Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He is the co-founder and co-director of The Diversity School Initiative; a campaign initiative set up to address under-representation and diversity in UK drama schools.  

Steven was the curator of This is Black, a festival designed to support and celebrate Black artists’ work on a fringe level. His directing credits include: An Octoroon (Radio Remix) by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins at UAL, Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall at ALRA, Teleportation by Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo at Bunker Theatre, and BOYS, devised by the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden company.  

Associate / Assistant director credits include: Holes by Louis Sachar, directed by Adam Penford (Touring), Still No Idea at Royal Court Theatre, directed by Lee Simpson, and An Octoroon at the National Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre, directed by Ned Bennett. 

Steven featured in The Stage 100 list (2020) as one of the most influential people in theatre. 

On his appointment Steven said: 

“I am beyond excited to join the ArtsEd team. I am looking forward to examining what we train, presenting new methods of training, and equipping the next generation of artists with what they need. Julie [Spencer] has made a tremendous impact at ArtsEd and I am thrilled to be a part of that.”  

Gabrielle Nimo is a London-based movement practitioner-director, teacher and facilitator, and joins ArtsEd having previously worked with companies and arts venues including: Talawa Theatre Company, Emergency Exit Arts, Generation Arts, and Harrow Arts Centre. 

Her credits include: Movement/Associate Director for The High Table (Bush Theatre), Movement Director for Unknown Rivers (Hampstead Theatre), and Nouveau Riche’s TIMBUKTU (Gerry’s Cafe, Theatre Royal Stratford East),  

On her appointment to Head of Movement at ArtsEd, Gabrielle said: 

“I am absolutely delighted to take on the role as Head of Movement for the next academic year. ArtsEd deliver high quality training for their talented students, led by excellent staff and I look forward to building on such great work.” 

Justin Pierre has extensive experience in theatre, film and television. His roles include: Prince Ivar in Saban’s The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog, Mike in the World Productions series Attachments (BBC), Dave Summers in the series Burnside (ITV) and Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army.   

A graduate of Rose Bruford College, Justin’s theatre credits include: Othello, directed by Sam Walters, Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, and Generations of the Dead at the Young Vic.   

Adam Wallis works at the forefront of the voice education industry, having previously taught at The BRIT School, Central School of Speech & Drama, Westminster and St Mary’s. He has also worked in TV, radio and theatre as both a performer and in vocal support roles. He completed his MFA in Voice Studies from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.  

On his new appointment to The School of Musical Theatre, he said:

“ArtsEd offer high quality training and are leaders in the field of Performing Arts education. I am so excited to be joining the ArtsEd team and cannot wait to get stuck into the role. I look forward to working with such incredibly talented staff and students.”

Nadine Higgin trained at ArtsEd on the BA Musical Theatre course, graduating in 2008. Her West End credits include: High School Musical, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, The Lion King, and the original West End casts of Legally Blonde, and The Book of Mormon. She played the role of Cliff in Alan Bennett’s new play Allelujah! at The Bridge Theatre, and the roles of Peter Quince, Egeus and Cobweb in The Globe’s 2019 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  

On her return to ArtsEd as a member of staff, she said: 

“I am very honoured to be back in a building that I hold so close to my heart, taking on this role. I’m looking forward to getting to know my students, share my knowledge, but also learn from them. I’m so excited to get started!” 

Chris Hocking, ArtsEd Principal said: 

“I am delighted to welcome these talented new members of staff to ArtsEd.  We look forward to embracing the contributions that they will all make to our commitment to offer training that is dynamic, creative and inclusive.”