LONDON: British American Drama Academy (BADA) has announced Stephen Unwin as the school’s new dean and director. Unwin succeeds Ian Wooldridge, and will begin his post Sept. 1, 2016.
“After a far-reaching search, the board and I are delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Stephen Unwin as BADA’s dean and director designate,” said Marcus Boyle, chairman of BADA’s board of governors, in a statement. “Stephen’s wide-ranging and extensive experience as a theatre director, writer, and teacher will be invaluable to BADA’s future. Ian will be leaving BADA after successfully leading us for 20 years and the board, staff, teachers, and successive generations of students owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”
Unwin is a graduate of Cambridge University and founder of the English Touring Theatre. He served as the resident director at the NT Studio. Most recently, Unwin served as artistic director of Rose Theatre Kingston, which he led from 2008 until 2014. He has taught at universities throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, including LAMDA, Guildhall, and Emory University. In addition to his directing credits, which include fifteen operas, Unwin has penned ten books on theatre, four plays, and has translated several works. Unwin’s son has severe learning disabilities, and he is active in campaigning for the rights of disabled people.
“I’ve long been an admirer of the British American Drama Academy, and I’m thrilled to be appointed dean and director at such an auspicious moment in its remarkable history,” said Unwin in a statement. “With its impressive alumni, its outstanding reputation for drama training, its many contacts with colleges and universities across the U.S., and its friendly, professional, and inclusive ethos, BADA is flourishing. I’m looking forward to building on Ian Wooldridge’s many achievements.”
The British American Drama Academy was founded in 1984 as a school for students from around the world to come together and study classical theatre with leading actors and directors of the British stage.
