Drama schools release joint statement condemning harassment and bullying

The Federation of Drama Schools (FDS), whose partner organisations include some of the UK’s most prestigious colleges, have issued their first public statement since the accusations emerged.

The FDS revealed they are ‘shocked and saddened by these alleged historical incidents of harassment and bullying’ and that ‘the safety and well-being of our students is a priority and we operate with a zero tolerance policy in respect of sexual harassment and assault.’

This follows an investigation published by the Telegraph where former students of FDS members East 15, Guildford School of Acting and the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts made a series of bullying, sexual harassment and assault allegations relating to their respective drama schools. Details of the investigation included students being subjected to sexual and offensive comments, being pressured to appear naked during rehearsals and onstage, and in some cases unwanted physical contact. 

Further allegations of misconduct have emerged after FDS posted its statement at London drama college ArtsEd, and consequently the school has launched an external investigation on the matter. ArtsEd’s principal Chris Hocking has temporarily stepped down to ensure the investigation is as ‘independent and as rigorous as possible’, a spokesperson from ArtsEd said. 

Members of FDS include East 15, ArtsEd, RADA, LAMDA, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, GSA and ALRA.

Below is the statement from FDS, published on 8 June, in full:

We are shocked and saddened by these alleged historical incidents of harassment and bullying, and the Federation of Drama Schools proactively advocates action to eradicate any and all inappropriate practice within our training. The safety and well-being of our students is a priority and we operate with a zero tolerance policy in respect of sexual harassment and assault with clear and transparent reporting procedures where the students can be fully supported.

In 2018 the FDS published a mutually agreed statement of ethical practice and a commitment to activate and sustain a cultural change in drama schools.

Partner school measures include the specific inclusion of sexual harassment within their Dignity at Work policies, Bullying and Harassment policies and Safe Guarding guidelines that are highlighted to all visiting staff and external directors. Workshops on consent and the widespread inclusion of intimacy coordination (led by trained intimacy coordinators) as integral to the training have had a major impact in empowering students.

FDS schools are constantly reviewing these policies and practices, and always seeking honest feedback from the students as they believe that this is vital to fostering an inclusive, secure and nurturing culture and atmosphere for all.

www.federationofdramaschools.co.uk