Intrigued by the world of acting? East 15 Acting School awaits aspiring stars like you. East 15 is not just any drama school. It’s a place where dreams take center stage.
East 15 Acting School was founded in 1961. Margaret Bury established it. She was a member of Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop. The school draws its origins from Littlewood’s innovative approach. It emphasizes socially engaged theatre.
East 15 provides vocational training. It covers acting and specialist performance. The school also teaches theatre directing and stage management. Creative producing is also part of the curriculum. East 15 offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These courses span two campuses. One campus is in Loughton. The other is in Southend-on-Sea.
Since 2000, East 15 degrees have been conferred by the University of Essex. The University of Essex merged with East 15. This merger has led to enhanced facilities. Millions of pounds were invested in the campuses.
The Loughton campus offers unique facilities. Hatfield includes Courtyard Studios. Here you will find large rehearsal rooms. There is also a radio studio. A movie theatre is also available. Orchard Studios provides more rehearsal rooms. Dance studios offer facilities for jazz and ballet. The Corbett Theatre is a medieval barn. It was transported to Hatfield in 1960. It creates a special atmosphere for public productions.
Roding House has ten rehearsal rooms. It features a green room and a sound studio. The school’s costume department is also located there.
The Southend campus is home to performance spaces. It provides media production resources. A converted church serves as a theatre for students.
East 15 has produced notable alumni. Stephen Daldry directed “Billy Elliot”. Janine Duvitski starred in famous comedies. Alan Ford appeared in Guy Ritchie films. Alison Steadman and Annette Badland are also alumni. Jenny Platt starred in “Coronation Street”.
East 15 is one of the largest specialized acting schools in the UK. About 650 students attend. It is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools. In 2024, East 15 ranked fourth in the UK for drama and dance. This is according to The Guardian’s University Guide.
East 15 continues to evolve. New teaching methods include Chekhov and Lecoq approaches. Students express high satisfaction with their experiences. East 15 prepares students for careers in theatre, TV, film, and digital media.
East 15 is more than just a school. It is a place where the future of acting is shaped.