Tue 21 Jul 2026
Lakeside Theatre is now home to world renowned stage and screen conservatoire, East 15 Acting School.
Inspired by Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop, East 15 was founded in 1961 by Margaret Bury, who was part of the Theatre Workshop for 14 years. Drawing on the teaching methods and philosophies of the Theatre Workshop, these guiding principles continue to inform East 15’s teaching and productions today.
In 2000, East 15 established its partnership with the University of Essex. Now offering courses in acting, producing directing, stage management, motion capture and specialist skills including fight performance, aerial circus, community engagement and global theatre practice, East 15 is ranked No. 1 in the UK for Drama in the Guardian University Guide 2026, above the Guildhall School of Music and LAMDA.
Recent notable alumni from the school include Corinna Brown (Heart Stopper), Joel Smith-Bynoe ( Stath Lets Flats; Ghosts), Daisy Franks (Olivier Award Winner for Life of Pi), Charlie Josephine (writer of I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe), Lily Newmark (Sex Education; Solo: A Star Wars Story), John Leader (Old Vic’s A Monster Calls; Warhorse; The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe), Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) and Daniel Ezra (All American).
