Central School names Friedman President

SONIA FRIEDMAN has been appointed President of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD). 

Friedman succeeds MICHAEL GRANDAGE, who announced his departure from the role in October, following twelve years in post.

A West End and Broadway producer, Freidman graduated from CSSD in 1985 and was made an honorary fellow of the school in 2014. 

"Whatever their discipline, artists, actors and arts practitioners need a space to grow – somewhere to start to understand themselves, their craft and, crucially, the world around them," Freidman said.

"It is in these spaces that we begin working out the ways in which we might contribute to, comment on and change society for the better. For me, that place was Central – a safe space for big adventures. It all started there."

On her appointment, Freidman said she wants the school "to be that place of personal and professional growth – of risk, empathy, creativity and compassion – for a diverse new generation of theatrical talent".

CSSD Principal JOSETTE BUSHELL-MINGO added: "The way she impacts our industry has a lifelong and extensive reach. We are so excited to have her with us. Welcome home, Sonia."