Andrew Lloyd Webber-Backed ArtsEd Faces Bullying, Toxicity Allegations – Deadline

When Andrew Lloyd Webber pocketed almost $40M from the sale of a Pablo Picasso masterpiece in 2011, his ideas turned to a performing arts college within the leafy London neighborhood of Chiswick.

Arts Educational, a century-old establishment higher often called ArtsEd, formed Julie Andrews’ soprano voice lengthy earlier than she was singing within the hills of Salzburg. More latest star graduates embrace Andrews’ Bridgerton bedfellow Simone Ashley. 

Lloyd Webber has had an official affiliation with ArtsEd since 2007 and, armed along with his Picasso money pile, the musical theatre impresario made a donation to the varsity that was, on the time, essentially the most beneficiant act of philanthropy within the historical past of his charitable basis.

The £3.5M ($4M) grant in 2013 funded a refurbishment of ArtsEd’s primary theatre, a proscenium arch efficiency house that now bears his title. It is the place the varsity’s 640-odd college students hone their craft within the hope that they might in the future graduate to larger phases — even perhaps The London Palladium, Lloyd Webber’s storied West End theatre.

ArtsEd alumni are branded with a trademark of high quality, however the college’s illustrious popularity has been known as into query in recent times. A barrister-led investigation in October 2021 discovered that ArtsEd had a “sexualized environment” and demonstrated a “lack of regard” for the wellbeing of scholars, exposing them to favoritism, bullying, and different misconduct.

One of essentially the most chastening self-examinations ever undertaken by a UK drama college, Rebecca Tuck KC’s findings have been stated to be a surprising learn for Lloyd Webber, who holds the hands-off, ceremonial position of ArtsEd president. The inquiry pressured the resignation of principal Chris Hocking. Change was promised by ArtsEd’s board of trustees, the individuals tasked with holding the charitable group to account. Intimacy coaching was expanded, complaints procedures have been strengthened, wellbeing assist was improved, and college students got a voice on the board.

Two years on, Tuck’s phrases nonetheless echo by way of the corridors of ArtsEd, however these aware of the interior workings of the varsity stated classes from her evaluate are but to be absolutely discovered. As a part of a five-month investigation, Deadline has spoken to greater than two dozen individuals linked to ArtsEd and reviewed inner emails and written testimonies from college students and ex-staffers. Some of those sources described a “toxic” tradition through which pupil wellbeing has continued to be put in danger by these tasked with cleansing up the mess recognized by Tuck.

ArtsEd stated it strongly disputed the suggestion that it has a “toxic” and unsafe tradition, arguing that the welfare of those that research on the college is its “highest priority.” A spokesperson stated: “Many of the complaints raised relate to historic matters that occurred prior to the Rebecca Tuck KC review in 2021. While we have been unequivocal in accepting the cultural and leadership failings that were identified in the Tuck review, we have also made considerable progress to put things right in the last two years.”

Principal Julie Spencer has been ArtsEd’s reformer-in-chief, however present and former college students and workers have voiced appreciable anxiousness about her management type. She is seen as a wise and sometimes charismatic particular person, however 20 individuals who have had private interactions with Spencer accused her of being an erratic and sometimes intimidating chief since she joined in 2019.

Former college students stated they felt threatened by her habits, alleging that she was able to weird outbursts, together with one through which she accused a 12 months group of being “snakes.” They spoke of a “culture of fear” through which they felt anxious about their place on the college and talent to realize their desired grades. Earlier this 12 months, unease over pupil security boiled right into a strike following complaints over academics utilizing discriminatory language.

Many former workers who spoke to Deadline echoed these sentiments. At least two ex-staffers accused Spencer of intimidating habits, whereas others blamed ArtsEd for a deterioration of their psychological well being. Many stated excessive workers turnover was symptomatic of alleged difficulties on the college. 

The majority of those that spoke to Deadline stated they thought of Spencer’s habits to be bullying. Reflecting on their expertise on the college, one latest graduate stated: “Aspiring actors and singers need to feel safe and supported; you need to feel like you’re not being judged. At ArtsEd, it felt like you were walking through a Mafia neighborhood in Napoli.”

ArtsEd rejected accusations of misconduct and bullying leveled at Spencer. It stated she was liable for a significant overhaul of the varsity’s processes, which had been crucial, if not all the time fashionable with long-serving workers. An impartial authorized evaluate, commissioned earlier this 12 months in reference to a person workers dispute, discovered no proof of a poisonous or unsafe tradition at ArtsEd. The college declined to launch the findings on confidentiality grounds.

“The school’s leadership has been working to proactively improve our culture and processes. We have made many robust changes that were needed in light of those findings, including staff departures and instilling a new and more student-focused culture,” a spokesperson stated. “Although this work is ongoing and we recognise that there is always room for evolving and building on the improvements that have been made, we are confident that the school today is a much more accountable and supportive environment than two years ago.”

The majority of those that spoke with Deadline stated they didn’t give proof to Tuck’s inquiry, which means their allegations about ArtsEd’s present management crew are being reported for the primary time. Most shared their experiences on the situation of anonymity for concern of damaging their careers, however two former workers felt so strongly about pupil wellbeing that they went on the document with their issues — a rarity within the close-knit world of theatrical schooling.

A consultant for Lloyd Webber declined to remark. There isn’t any suggestion that he was conscious of the allegations.

ArtsEd’s Roots Of Unrest

The roots of ArtsEd’s unrest will be traced again greater than a decade. As prestigious British drama faculties confronted a reckoning linked to the #MeToo motion, ArtsEd requested employment lawyer Rebecca Tuck to research complaints of historic misconduct courting again to graduates of 2009.

Deadline can reveal for the primary time that the inquiry was launched following a historic allegation of sexual misconduct in opposition to Andrew Wright, an Olivier Award-nominated West End musical choreographer who frequently led workshops for ArtsEd on a contract foundation. Tuck informed Deadline that there was a scarcity of supervision for visiting creatives at ArtsEd and their “demigod-like” standing amongst college students left younger individuals susceptible to abuses of energy.

Deadline has been unable to contact Wright. Talent agent Gavin Barker, who represented Wright, stated he misplaced contact with the choreographer after the ArtsEd allegations emerged in 2021. Barker stated they by no means formally parted methods, Wright merely “disappeared,” abandoning a profitable West End profession.

Wright taught in ArtsEd’s School of Musical Theatre, which Tuck discovered had a “misguided” and “sexualized” tradition, the place college students carried out a “sexy dance” as a part of their coaching. A 2014 graduate informed Deadline that college students stripped right down to their underwear and lap-danced on one another.

The School of Musical Theatre was the area of Chris Hocking, who joined as its director in 2009 earlier than he was promoted to ArtsEd principal seven years later. The so-called “sexy dance” and Wright’s alleged misconduct happened on his watch. Some former workers stated Hocking was merely getting ready college students for an business the place intercourse sells, however most acknowledged that he was proper to resign after Tuck delivered her evaluate to ArtsEd’s board. Hocking declined to remark.

Julie Spencer The Reformer

If Hocking was forged because the face of ArtsEd’s inappropriate previous, Julie Spencer was seen as the brand new broom. She joined ArtsEd in 2019 as director of the School of Acting, which dodged the worst of Tuck’s opprobrium. She was free from historic baggage and was seen as a powerful advocate for range at a time when the Black Lives Matter motion had sparked allegations of racism at revered performing arts faculties.

Spencer was made interim principal in June 2021, when Tuck’s investigation was launched, and he or she was confirmed within the £110,000-a-year submit the next spring. She was so convincing a candidate that ArtsEd’s board of trustees appointed her with out an open recruitment course of, in response to individuals aware of the matter. 

Since her rent, Spencer has put into motion her long-held ambition to develop into an business reformer. In a 2020 Bush Theatre interview, Spencer stated she had ripped up ArtsEd’s appearing curriculum in order that it was now not taught by way of a “40-year-old white man’s lens.” The college stated that she has overseen the introduction of latest complaints and whistleblowing insurance policies, in addition to a strengthened anti-harassment and bullying process. Internal suggestions confirmed this was dealt with sensitively by Spencer.

People who labored with Spencer, or have been taught by her, informed Deadline that she is a extremely succesful particular person who labored rapidly to replace processes, however a number of sources stated there have been warning indicators about her conduct earlier than she was elevated to principal.

Students from ArtsEd School of Acting’s class of 2022 recalled two examples of habits that disturbed them. They stated the incidents have been proof of Spencer crossing a line and being threatening to the younger individuals underneath her stewardship. Spencer denied the allegations.

During a weekly video name with the 12 months group in 2020, three witnesses alleged that Spencer described pupils as “snakes” after she found that there had been a disagreement about their college expertise in a pupil WhatsApp group chat. One particular person stated college students have been “distressed” after the assembly however they didn’t voice objections as a result of they have been “scared” of Spencer.

In a second incident in 2021, 4 witnesses recalled how Spencer, for unclear causes, shocked college students by accusing them of plotting a revolt throughout an in-person assembly. The witnesses described how she paced across the group pointing at college students, repeatedly inviting them to take a shot at her. “She stood up in the middle of a room with her hands open like the Angel of the North and was like: ‘If you want to take me down, come and get me,’” one particular person recalled. “We were all thinking: what the f**k is going on?”

Both incidents have been estimated to have been witnessed by greater than 20 college students. Spencer had no document or recollection of the 2 conferences. She denied calling college students “snakes” and reacting to a perceived revolt, arguing that the accusations have been implausible and fanciful.

ArtsEd’s 2022 graduates additionally made complaints a couple of high-profile visiting artistic, who was employed by Spencer regardless of her being warned about allegations relating to his conduct earlier than she joined the varsity. The problem was examined by Tuck however was not included within the printed abstract of her evaluate, which means Deadline is reporting the small print for the primary time.

Michael Attenborough, a distinguished British theatre director and son of Oscar-winner Richard Attenborough, was engaged to steer a workshop with college students in 2021. Two witnesses accused the previous Almeida Theatre inventive director of gazing feminine members of the category and making feedback that some college students deemed inappropriate, together with referring to himself as being circumcised. 

“It was a bit weird, but I think it was his way of trying to lighten the mood and to make sure that everyone felt human,” stated one one that was within the room. “It’s just like [listening to] your grandad, who’s a bit out of touch with the world.”

An ex-student praised Spencer for reacting rapidly to the Attenborough grievance and stated the director was requested to apologize to the group. His apology was described as “tender” and “heartfelt,” and two witnesses stated Spencer appeared emotional throughout the alternate. ArtsEd later wrote to Attenborough to tell him that he would now not be permitted to direct or train at ArtsEd in any capability.

The incident adopted related issues being raised about Attenborough’s conduct by 2019 ArtsEd graduates after he led Shakespeare classes. A well-placed supply stated college students made their reservations clear to ArtsEd academics throughout a bunch dialogue. ArtsEd made an off-the-cuff resolution that it will now not work with Attenborough, however this was not communicated to him as a result of college students didn’t need the matter to go additional.

Two individuals stated Spencer was made conscious of the issues of 2019 graduates quickly after she joined ArtsEd, although it’s unclear precisely what she was informed. One particular person claimed that Spencer was knowledgeable about an allegation of favoritism in opposition to Attenborough and since the varsity had not taken any formal motion, she noticed no motive to withdraw his invitation to show.

Attenborough declined to remark. His consultant at United Agents stated he acquired a greetings card from the 2019 ArtsEd graduates thanking him for his work. Others vouched for his popularity as a instructor. In a letter to Deadline, Leontine Hass, the founding principal of Associated Studios, stated Attenborough was “much loved and respected” by college students and workers at her drama college. “He has a cheeky sense of humour. However we have never witnessed him trying to use this to offend. Our students adore Michael because he is a great witty talent, a great teacher, full of humanity, warmth and passion,” she stated.

A Teacher Speaks Out

All of the present and former ArtsEd college students who spoke to Deadline stated they by no means knew the place they stood with Spencer. On some days, she can be charming, on others she would clean them. One pupil recalled being diminished to tears after an encounter with Spencer, however stated she was “lovely and pretended like nothing had ever happened” the following day.

Several college students recalled how she would ship brusque and unconstructive suggestions; how she would huff, roll her eyes, or yawn throughout performances. They stated individuals have been scared to talk freely about their experiences on the college for concern that the data would discover its approach again to Spencer. The college students stated she had “favorites” who would obtain kinder therapy and larger entry to the principal. Spencer denied favoritism and believes the nameless accounts of scholars to be generic and anecdotal.

One particular person ready to articulate their anxiousness in an interview was Steven Kavuma, a former member of the chief educating crew at ArtsEd’s appearing college. Kavuma’s rent was trumpeted in an ArtsEd press launch in 2020, the identical 12 months he was voted by business commerce title The Stage as one of many 100 most influential individuals in UK theatre. He led ArtsEd’s basis course, which was primarily based off-campus at The Lyric Theatre.

Speaking for the primary time about his expertise at ArtsEd, Kavuma informed Deadline that he raised verbal issues about pupil welfare twice final 12 months: as soon as along with his supervisor in the summertime time period and a second time with HR earlier than he left in December.

“I witnessed first-hand bullying towards students and teachers. I tried to challenge it within the school, but the principal would isolate you,” stated Kavuma. “I don’t think it is a safe environment to train. If students don’t feel comfortable challenging that within that school, if they feel fearful… I just don’t think that’s healthy at all. Some students felt like they had to be watching their backs constantly, they felt intimidated.”

ArtsEd couldn’t discover a document of Kavuma making a grievance to HR and a supply near the varsity questioned how he handled pupil issues throughout his two-and-half years of employment. He left ArtsEd with out finishing an exit interview, however stated this was as a result of he didn’t belief HR to behave on his suggestions. The ArtsEd supply questioned why Kavuma felt it applicable to show a workshop for the varsity over the summer season given his issues. Kavuma stated the teachings weren’t related to the group’s primary appearing programs, which have been the place he had misgivings about pupil welfare.

A well-placed former worker stated there have been quite a lot of complaints to HR about Spencer’s alleged conduct, however individuals have been reluctant to place issues in writing for concern of being punished or dropping their jobs. The identical particular person alleged that Spencer’s management upset “many kind, honest, and decent colleagues who deserved better.” At least two individuals stated their closing months on the college broken their psychological well being.

A Deadline evaluation has proven that as many as 20 senior leaders, heads of division, and course leaders have left ArtsEd over the previous two years. ArtsEd, which has round 210 workers, didn’t acknowledge this determine, however admitted that there had been worker churn as the varsity has overhauled its processes following the Tuck evaluate, with the adjustments proving unpopular with some.

People stated the turnover was not regular for a performing arts college of ArtsEd’s standing and had contributed to a scarcity of continuity for college kids. Kavuma, the previous ArtsEd instructor, echoed the feelings of many when he stated: “It creates a lack of stability for students and their learning environment. One minute, your teachers are telling you one thing, and the next, you’ve got a new staff member. It just puts the students’ learning and education at risk.”

An ArtsEd spokesperson stated: “We acknowledge that there have been some workers departures, a few of that are a direct consequence of the sturdy response by the ArtsEd management to the Tuck evaluate. 

“These have been the result of making necessary changes to ArtsEd to eradicate issues raised in the Tuck review (which ArtsEd has fully acknowledged and apologised for) and to ensure that the institution progresses and improves. It is also important to note that some degree of staff turnover is to be expected within any education institution and that a high number of new staff have joined ArtsEd in the last two years and have made a hugely positive impact on the student experience.”

Spencer Apologizes To Employee

One worker who left in 2021 was Leanne Nagle, the front-of-house supervisor for ArtsEd’s theatre. In an interview, she claimed that Spencer was pressured to apologize to her within the presence of an HR consultant after an incident on November 26, 2019. Nagle didn’t give proof to the Tuck inquiry, so that is the primary time her account is being printed.

Nagle consulted a lawyer on the evening of the incident and he helped her write a letter of grievance, which was emailed to ArtsEd’s head of HR the next day. Seen by Deadline, Nagle’s grievance described confusion over why two viewers members have been allowed into an ArtsEd play after the curtain had gone up. It resulted in a tense alternate with Spencer, who solely needed late arrivals to be permitted entry throughout the interval.

Nagle informed Deadline that Spencer was aggressive throughout their dialog and pointed a finger in her course. In her written grievance, Nagle stated she made clear to Spencer that she was upset by the alternate, to which the principal allegedly waved her hand dismissively and stated: “I’m not listening to this, go on make a drama because I know you love that and have a little cry.”

Nagle believed Spencer’s comment to be a callback to a earlier unrelated incident through which she was left tearful following an altercation with a pupil. Around this time, Spencer made a grievance about Nagle’s interactions with some college students to former principal Chris Hocking and stated others have been involved about her alleged habits. Nagle informed Deadline that she was unaware of the grievance and denied that she was ever formally confronted with the issues or informed to alter her habits. One of Nagle’s former colleagues corroborated her account.

Nagle stated the incident on the evening of the play was captured on CCTV and witnessed by a receptionist, who later complained to HR on her behalf. A second particular person additionally noticed the audio-less CCTV footage and raised issues with former principal Hocking, in response to an ex-employee.

ArtsEd was not conscious of any CCTV footage from the evening. It is known that Spencer was not formally investigated over the altercation. She didn’t deny apologizing to Nagle.

Nagle left ArtsEd in March 2021 and, shortly after her exit, stated she wrote a bodily letter to the varsity’s board of trustees detailing the incident and questioning the protection of scholars. She stated the letter was positioned in a mailbox for trustees, however ArtsEd had no document of it reaching the board. 

She informed Deadline: “They say at drama schools that they break you [down] to build you back up … Julie was not so much breaking them down to build them back, she was just breaking these poor kids.”

Even if Nagle’s issues failed to achieve the board, ArtsEd trustees have been made conscious of allegations about Spencer’s conduct in 2021 earlier than appointing her as principal. Three sources stated a bunch of scholars made their issues recognized in statements to the board in 2021 after initially trying to provide proof to Tuck’s inquiry. The complaints have been reviewed by trustees and none have been upheld, however Spencer did comply with a private motion plan.

Students On Strike

Several sources stated two clashes between college students and academics in latest months demonstrated the fraught temper at ArtsEd. In June, first- and second-year ArtsEd undergraduates went on strike for a morning following complaints about academics utilizing discriminatory language. 

One instructor is alleged to have stated the N-word and, throughout a dialog with a pupil in regards to the inappropriate language, the younger particular person was accused of claiming the F-word, which is used as a homophobic slur. Kim Vithana, the director of ArtsEd’s School of Acting, allegedly repeated the F-word when trying to elucidate the state of affairs to a bunch of scholars. Vithana, a former star of BBC drama Holby City, is seen as an in depth ally of Spencer.

A participant within the strikes stated college students refused to attend classes amid issues for his or her wellbeing. Deadline understands that Spencer mentioned a plan of motion with college students that meant they felt in a position to return to classes within the afternoon. An investigation into Vithana’s conduct was resolved and ArtsEd continues to evaluate the habits of the instructor accused of utilizing the N-word.

There was additionally discord over the selection of Babel for a third-year play over the summer season. Students claimed that the comparatively unknown play perpetuated adverse stereotypes about Muslim individuals and misquoted the Quran. Students met with academics on quite a few events and though some issues have been addressed, together with chopping the Quran line, these concerned stated the rehearsal course of affected their psychological well being. “Pupils cried in front of the staff during many of our meetings with them,” stated one particular person concerned.

The state of affairs got here to a head throughout performances. Third-year college students have been accused of inappropriate laughter on stage, whereas there have been additionally misgivings in regards to the response of some college students sitting within the viewers. Vithana despatched second- and third-year college students an e mail saying she was “very disappointed” to listen to about “unprofessionalism” throughout the reveals. 

In a written reply, college students accused Vithana herself of being unprofessional for emailing a big part of the varsity along with her issues, slightly than addressing it with the people concerned. They accused her of airing her “dirty laundry” in public. “The manager should be backing the players,” stated one pupil, reaching for a sporting analogy. The younger individuals have been briefly locked out of their e mail following the alternate, although ArtsEd’s place is that the accounts have been suspended to guard pupil wellbeing.

ArtsEd is much from alone in experiencing pupil unrest. Deadline’s Drama Schools Uncovered investigation has revealed that performing arts establishments are breeding grounds for misconduct, with greater than 100 circumstances of sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying recorded since 2020.

Kavuma stated: “As a teacher and a senior member of staff at ArtsEd, I was able to see what was so wrong with our drama school institutions. I tried to change it, but a lot of it is learned culture you are trying to change … There needs to be an independent body to regulate drama schools.”

ArtsEd is known to be open-minded about an impartial drama college regulator, however the college repeatedly pointed to the 2021 Tuck evaluate for instance of accountability in motion. All increased schooling establishments within the UK are regulated by the Office for Students.

An ArtsEd spokesperson stated: “We strongly reject any suggestion that we’ve got put pupil security in danger and in addition reject the accusations of misconduct and bullying levelled at our principal Julie Spencer. The security and welfare of scholars is our highest precedence.

The spokesperson added: “Since the publication of the Rebecca Tuck KC evaluate two years in the past, Julie Spencer – with the complete assist of the board of trustees and senior management board – has made many sturdy adjustments that have been wanted in mild of these very severe findings. These adjustments have included workers departures and instilling a brand new and extra student-focused tradition.

“These adjustments have included workers departures and instilling a brand new and extra student-focused tradition. It has additionally included a significant overhaul of the varsity’s insurance policies and procedures. Today we’ve got a transparent complaints process in place, together with a whistleblowing coverage, and be sure that each grievance the varsity receives is totally investigated and recorded. Where complaints are upheld, applicable motion is taken.

“We have additionally created new insurance policies in vital areas such because the recruitment and administration of freelance artistic workers and visiting lecturers. We have up to date and strengthened our pupil and workers anti-harassment and bullying insurance policies to make sure that they’re in keeping with the newest regulatory steerage. And, with a view to be sure that pupil voices proceed to be represented on the highest ranges of the establishment, we’ve got put in place a pupil voice and participation coverage in addition to enhanced pupil illustration and participation at committee degree. Student engagement and suggestions is reviewed and responded to at a senior degree throughout the organisation.

“We have additionally undertaken a governance effectiveness evaluate, led by an exterior legislation agency, who delivered their closing report in May 2022. Their suggestions have been accepted in full and we’re on the closing phases of implementing all of them.

“While we appreciate the scale of the task in light of the serious findings in the Tuck report, and that this important work remains ongoing, we have made considerable progress in the last two years to enhance student support and improve student welfare and safety.”

When Lloyd Webber donated tens of millions to the varsity in 2013, he stated he hoped the cash may “make a real difference” to college students who might in the future observe within the footsteps of star graduates like Catherine Zeta-Jones. ArtsEd has stood by Spencer as the proper particular person to proceed delivering this mission.