ArtsEd appoints Jonathan O’Boyle as School of Musical Theatre director
Hattie Fisk
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Jonathan O’Boyle will become ArtsEd’s director of the School of Musical Theatre in November, succeeding Chris Hocking who has been in the role since 2006.
Nick Rutter
ArtsEd has announced the appointment of Jonathan O’Boyle as the new director of the drama school’s School of Musical Theatre, effective from November this year.
O’Boyle was trained in acting at Central School of Speech and Drama and went on to graduate with an MFA in Theatre Directing at Birkbeck, University of London.
At the 2021 Off West End Awards, Jonathan won Best Director of a Musical and Best Musical Production for his Southwark Playhouse production of The Last Five Years. His 2017 production of Hair won Best Off West End Production at the WhatsOnStage Awards and will continue to tour internationally when theatres reopen.
What a week! The news is out. I’m utterly thrilled & over the moon to be joining @ArtsEdLondon later this year as the Director of the School of Musical Theatre. It’s such a fantastic drama sch w. amazing students & top class, dedicated tutors. It’ll be a privilege to work there❤️ pic.twitter.com/mZkw6ZxjME
— Jonathan O'Boyle (@JonathanOBoyle) March 28, 2021
O’Boyle said: ‘I am truly thrilled to be joining the ArtsEd family as the director of the School of Musical Theatre. As one of the leading drama schools in the country, with the UK’s premier training course in musical theatre, ArtsEd is firmly at the top of its game. I have always had the most joyous time working with the students at ArtsEd, and I can’t wait to continue that work and shape the future of the course.’
‘We are entering a challenging time in the arts sector. As we begin the road to recovery after the devastation of COVID-19, drama training will continue to evolve and change with the times. I am looking forward to that challenge, being at the centre of a school that strives for excellence.’
O’Boyle has previously directed Nice Work If You Can Get It at ArtsEd in 2019, and will direct The Wedding Singer later this year.
Chris Hocking, who is stepping down from the role after holding it since 2006, said ‘I am delighted to confirm this fantastic appointment and welcome Jonathan to the ArtsEd family!’. Hocking will continue to work as the principal of ArtsEd.
Hocking continues: ‘His award-winning theatre career speaks for itself, and I’m certain he will add huge value to ArtsEd’s musical theatre training in what is an ever-changing landscape. I very much look forward to working with Jonathan as I hand over the School of Musical Theatre curriculum to him.’
