Former DSL Principal recognised for decades of work for theatre industry
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A performer who led Drama Studio London for more than a decade has been honoured by the University of West London after supporting thousands of students training in the theatre.
Kit Thacker spent his varied and accomplished career perusing a passion for the stage alongside efforts to promote education and training for the next generation of performers.
After graduating with a degree in drama and theology, Kit entered the world of theatre, studying at the Bristol Old Vic and spending years working as an actor in television and film, and touring with the National Theatre.
It was from there that he found his calling behind the scenes and launched a career as a theatre director, running companies across the UK and in New York where he directed more than 120 productions globally.
He spent a decade as Principal of Drama Studio London in Ealing where he worked to support the development of degree courses in partnership with UWL and ensuring high-quality training for a new generation of performers.
During this time, Thacker supported the growth and boosted the reputation of one of the UK’s leading full-time acting schools by introducing the three-year degree programme in Professional Acting.
He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University during a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium this week in recognition of a lifetime of work to support and encourage young people into the arts.
Speaking about the creative’s influence on education and training, Professor Anthony Woodman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UWL, said:
Kit has had a huge and incredibly positive influence on so many students, not just as Principal of DSL, but in all of his work and writing during his incredibly varied career.
He took over DSL in 2010, and over the next 11 years, such was his belief in the school, that he turned it around - regenerating the curriculum and leading a hugely successful team. He was determined that DSL would thrive and grow during that time, and we still see the benefits of what he has done every day.
He is an inspiration to our students as they take their next steps, and we are delighted to welcome him to celebrate his achievements with us today in recognition of his creative work, passion, and commitment not just to DSL, but to the arts as a career and inspiration for so many."
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