David Shirley has been the Head of School at the Manchester School of Theatre and Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Acting Course since 2004. After 15 years in this post he has now left to take up the position of Executive Dean on the other side of the world in Perth, Australia at The Western Australia Academy of Dramatic Arts which is essentially the Australian version of The Julliard School in the U.S.A. A conservatoire of Music, Dance, Acting and Technical Theatre. I spoke with David about his momentous decision and his time at MST.
It is, of course a decision he did not take lightly and whilst there is obviously some trepidation at such a life changing move he is also looking forward to the challenge both personally and professionally. David hopes to use his experience of his time at MST to develop WAAPA on an international platform. Although it is already a great school and produces some superb talent David feels his purpose is to elevate it to the next level. He hopes to do this by establishing excellent international partnerships with countries such as China and Japan. He pointed out that one of the major differences with students of the Arts in Australia is that when they consider a career they always think internationally and do not limit themselves to work within their own country. Whilst Perth has a thriving arts scene with events like the Perth International Fringe Festival, the students at WAAPA often aspire to work in the U.K on the West End or at the Royal Ballet for example and David hopes his links to the U.K will be able to further facilitate this.
In his time at MST he has developed links with the Halle Orchestra and Home Theatre in Manchester where all of the third year Manchester School of Theatre shows have taken place while they await the completion of the new building, something which David himself fought for and oversaw. The building, which houses a 200-250 seat theatre which can be played in any configuration, large and spacious movement and voice studios, and fully-equipped media suites and music rooms, is a huge investment by the University and is testament to the support they are willing to give to the school. Although David will now not be around to see the building officially open in March 2020 he very much feels it is his legacy, and one of which he is extremely proud.
Another legacy he leaves is the schools involvement in the ‘Diversity Schools Initiative’ which is aimed at redressing the balance of students at Conservatoires across the country. To give a voice to those who would not normally have one. I asked David what he felt MST’s place was in Manchester and he talked extensively about how they are working to try and connect with hard-to-reach communities and engage them in theatre and the arts. He has appointed playwright Simon Stephens, himself from Stockport, to create new writing which speaks to a more ‘working class’ actor. David wants the school to be accessible to students from all walks of life and feels that slowly but surely they are achieving this. The industry is changing and Drama Schools have a responsibility to reflect this in their students and delivery.
Finally I asked David to reflect upon his time at MST and what he was most proud of. Without hesitation he said the energy and vitality of the students. He feels a great sense of pride in the family-like feel of the school which permeates through both the staff and students. He finished by saying he felt tremendously lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to undertake this role and takes away with him many, many happy memories.
I am sure he will be missed by staff and students alike and am interested to see how he develops WAAPA. It is a challenge which I have no doubt he is more than capable of; his passion and enthusiasm for education within the Arts is both inspirational and endearing and Australia are lucky to have him.
Reportage - Kerry Kawai
on - 17/3/19
Bon Voyage!
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