East 15 Acting School welcomes new Director

East 15, our ground-breaking acting school, has appointed Dr Chris Main as its new Director.

Chris has been part of the East 15 team for over a decade. His appointment comes at an exciting time for the acting school, with a new research team on-board and the first stage of an expansion plan complete.

Chris Main said: “I am excited for my next chapter at East 15 Acting School. I look forward to building upon the innovative approach of the previous leadership and the school’s recent successes."

East 15 is one of largest specialist theatre schools in the UK, with a distinguished international teaching staff and over 850 students.  

Its many famous alumni include director Stephen Daldry and actors Alison Steadman, Diane Morgan, Vicky Pepperdine and Daniel Ezra.

Chris Main said: “Students’ training remains at the heart of what we do. I am fortunate to be supported by a talented team of tutors and theatre professionals committed to ensuring that East 15 students continue to be well-placed to thrive in a constantly evolving industry. I look forward to developing the quality of our tuition, facilities and graduate success over the coming years.”

Opening its doors in 1961, East 15 grew from the work of Joan Littlewood’s famed Theatre Workshop, which broke new ground, re-interpreting the classics, commissioning new plays from socially-committed writers and creating an ensemble capable of inventing new work.

East 15 merged with the University of Essex in 2000. In August 2018, a new library and common room were opened, following a £2 million refurbishment.

Chris Main has been a part of the East 15 team for over a decade and has directed several shows for the School. He has also directed numerous productions for the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London. 

Alongside his career in education, Chris worked as a fight director and fight arranger in theatre and film. His screen work includes projects for the History Channel and a research and development project for video game developer and publisher, Codemasters.   

Chris replaces Professor Leon Rubin, who remains a part of the East 15 staff, moving to a position in the newly-formed East 15 Research team.  

The School has just commenced its first Season under Chris Main’s directorship at its Corbett and Littlewood Theatres in Loughton, Clifftown Theatre in Southend and the Tristan Bates Theatre in Central London.