After 9 years as President of RADA, Kenneth Branagh this week stepped down from the role…
Kenneth Branagh:
“It has been a privilege to serve RADA, and it is a thrill to welcome the brilliant David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo to their new roles at the academy. My congratulations and gratitude for the partnership of these exceptional talents helping to shape RADA’s exciting future, and my profound thanks to the Academy’s remarkable staff and students from whom I have learned so much.”
Kenneth is succeeded by RADA graduates David Harewood in the role of President and Cynthia Erivo in the role of Vice President. The Honorary President and Vice President of RADA embody the values and the excellence of the academy. As well as being symbolic and ambassadorial positions these roles actively support RADA, the students, the faculty, and the wider RADA family through contributions to the academy, advocacy and raising awareness of our work.
Cynthia Erivo:
“I am thrilled to be joining David and the whole team at RADA as the Academy’s Vice President. Having trained at the academy, I am acutely aware of how important a strong support system is; when it comes to education in the arts, it is by no means easy.
“I have been lucky enough to spend some time with the students at RADA, teaching and the lessons have been enlightening, heartwarming and heartbreaking, all at once. I’m excited to be able to spend more time with them, helping them along their path, to their careers in the outside world. My hope is that I can play a valuable role in strengthening the new talent of tomorrow.”
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is a world-leading, small, specialist institution offering vocational training for stage managers, designers, technical stagecraft specialists and actors. Their distinctive approach to training and in-depth experiential study nurtures creative expression, empowers individuals and seeks to influence positive change in the creative industries. The organisation has an impressive track record of graduate employment in theatre, film, television and radio, as award-winners and leaders in their fields: actors, directors, writers, producers, lighting, sound and costume designers, prop makers, scenic artists, stage managers, production managers, and many others.
The impact of their graduates can be seen across the world with household names including Kenneth Branagh, Cynthia Erivo, David Harewood, Imelda Staunton, Hiran Abeysekera, Aimee Lou Wood, Taron Egerton, Marisa Abela, Corey Mylchreest, David Jonsson, Sophie Okonedo, Ralph Fiennes, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Matthew Macfadyen, Lolita Chakrabarti, Lindy Hemming, Anthony Hopkins, Mona Hammond and Glenda Jackson. Past names who earned their credits with RADA range from Roger Moore to Noele Gordon.
David Harewood:
” I am extremely delighted to be stepping into the role of President of RADA alongside the wonderful Cynthia Erivo. As a former student at RADA and somebody who has enjoyed both the highs and experienced the lows of this industry, I feel I am ideally placed to help these young people navigate the sometimes difficult path from students to professionals, by bringing all the knowledge and experience I’ve learnt over a 30 year career. I very much look forward to beginning this new journey and playing a small role influencing so many young and talented individuals.”
