Tue 21 Jul 2026
From 1 August 2026, Lakeside Theatre will become part of East 15 Acting School.
As East 15 relocates its Southend-based courses and operations to the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus, Lakeside Theatre will take on a new role as the school’s principle performance venue and an important teaching space. It will provide a home for student productions and support the learning and development of the next generation of actors, directors, producers and theatre-makers.
This marks an exciting new chapter for Lakeside Theatre. As it becomes part of East 15 Acting School, its programme will grow to place student performance and teaching at its core, while drawing on the theatre’s strengths in creative programming, producing and community engagement. The theatre will continue to be a place where audiences can experience bold, thought-provoking and inspiring work.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped make Lakeside Theatre such a welcoming, creative and inclusive place over the years. The passion and commitment of our staff, artists, audiences, students and community have shaped everything the theatre has become, and those values will continue to be at the heart of its future with East 15.
East 15 Acting School looks forward to continuing to work with our communities and partners as this exciting new chapter begins, and we’ll be in touch over the coming months to build on these important and valued relationships.
We also say a fond farewell to our Theatre Manager Hanna Jones, and our Assistant Theatre Manager Marina Cusi Sanchez, who are both moving on to pastures new. Hanna and Marina oversaw a transitional year for Lakeside Theatre, providing support for student and alumni theatre makers as well as a welcoming environment for our community.
Our technical team of Harry Harris and Samuel Button-Bell will soon be joined by several other technical roles to support East 15 Acting School, and many of our Front of House team will be continuing too (although we say a very fond farewell to Duty Manager Dan Casey, and Front of House Assistant Yedidia Kintonouza who will be leaving for further study and graduate employment after graduating from their respective University of Essex degrees this July 2026).
Finally, we give a warm welcome to the Clifftown Theatre Managers and Front of House staff who will be joining the Lakeside Theatre team from 1 August.
Please email lakeside@essex.ac.uk for all general enquiries.
