Hilary

Experienced coach and former director of the National Council for Drama Training can provide effective private sessions for young people considering an acting career. Hilary can help you:

• Consider all the options including university courses or apprenticeships
• Decide which training course is most suitable
• Find out which courses are accredited and have the biggest success rates
• Prepare for the audition including selection of pieces
• Build your confidence and deal with rejection

Availability: Varied, including day, evening and weekends. Currently accepting a limited number of new clients aged 16+.

Willing to travel: 20 miles

Experience: Hilary has worked in the theatre for 32 years as actor, director and producer. She was Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1994 – 1999 and Executive Director of Greenwich Theatre from 1999 – 2007, establishing it as a major centre for the development of new musicals. Her producing credits at Greenwich included the world premiere of Arnold Wesker’s play Longitude, new musical Sadly Solo Joe, and the revival of Charles Strouse and Clifford Odet’s Golden Boy, plus many pantomimes. In 2003 she set up the Greenwich Musical Theatre Academy, a pioneering programme of full and part-time training funded by the European Social Fund which led to a high level of progression for the thousands of participants. Celebrated alumni include Jade Anouka, Leemore Marrett Jnr and Ukweli Roach.

From 2007-2010, she was Director of the National Council for Drama Training which later merged with the Conference of Drama Schools to become Drama UK. She has been a guest speaker on careers in the theatre at many colleges and universities including Yale and Georgetown University in the USA. She went on to form Making Theatre Gaining Skills, a social enterprise providing theatre-based training in employability.

Directing credits include Kevin Clarke’s play Jackpot, A Christmas Carol, Blue Remembered Hills, Grapes of Wrath, West Side Story, Robin Hood, The Magic Bookshop and Great Expectations.

• Enhanced CRB check dated July 2017.
• Public and Employers’ Liability Insurance.
• PTLLS qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
“She possesses the ability to listen and respond to young people with wise consideration, a vital rapport and a sense of humour.” Anne–Marie Dixon, Deputy Headteacher, Arts & Media School, Islington

“Hilary is a respected theatre industry professional who is totally committed to young people and ensuring their pathways into the sector. She is one of the sector’s leading thinkers and writers on this subject.” James Mackenzie-Blackman, Executive Director, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures