27.03.2026
After a hugely impactful period as Interim Executive Lead for Higher Education and five years as Director of the School of Musical Theatre, Jonathan O’Boyle will be leaving these roles at the end of the academic year to return to full-time directing work, where demand for his talent continues to grow.
During his time with us, Jonathan has played a pivotal role in evolving our training, helping to shape a more contemporary, industry-connected approach that continues to benefit our students.
He has overseen the delivery of exceptional productions, the successful revalidation of the BA(Hons) Musical Theatre course, our TEF Gold award and an Outstanding Ofsted Inspection for our Trinity Diplomas. Jonathan has been a hugely valued presence across the institution.
Our students and staff have greatly benefited from working alongside someone so respected within the industry, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution.
We are incredibly proud to support this next stage of his career and are pleased to share that this is not a goodbye, but an exciting evolution of our relationship. He will continue to work with ArtsEd in a part-time capacity as Head of ArtsEd Futures, supporting our creative strategy and bringing his industry insight and experience to our work.
In this new role, he will play a key part in shaping future creative opportunities across ArtsEd, ensuring our training remains closely connected to industry and continues to evolve, as well as continuing to support our graduating students as they enter the industry.
Jonathan today said: “It has been an absolute joy and a privilege to work at ArtsEd over the last five years. I’m thrilled to be continuing my relationship with the institution as I return to my full-time directing career. The staff and students here are extraordinary, and working with them has been a highlight of my career. I wanted to thank everyone at ArtsEd for their support over the last five years and I look forward to what the future has in store.”
Principal Louise Jackson said: “Jonathan is the most wonderful colleague, and it is not surprising how in demand he is as a director. His creative vision and his kindness are unique, and I am pleased to be supporting him pursue his directing career whilst also continuing to benefit from his advice and guidance. Students will also be able to gain from his expertise and support as they ready themselves to take their own positions within industry.”
We wish Jonathan all the very best and look forward to continuing to work together on a number of exciting projects, which we will share in due course.