Suzanne Estevez, Graduate 1999
The Bridge was established in 1993 by Judith Pollard, Mark Akrill and other directors, actors, choreographers and musicians who felt strongly that drama courses were too often prohibitively expensive. The aim was simple: to make the highest level of actor training accessible to all – to produce actors from a mix of social and cultural backgrounds and by doing so to enrich the theatre, radio, film and television. We offered a free advisory service for those wishing to enter the profession and courses that cut through the atmosphere of elitism and privilege that existed in some parts of the industry.
In 1996 the current Two Year Professional Acting Course and One Year Postgraduate/Post Experience Professional Acting Course were introduced and The Bridge began to get noticed as a company that turned out highly motivated and creative actors who could be relied on to deliver.
In 2001, as the courses expanded, we moved to our current base, Cecil Sharp House in Camden with its sprung-floored rehearsal rooms, library, bar, café and walled garden. This Grade Two listed building remains our home to this day and is where graduates from the past 17 years return – to work with us, rehearse for auditions, attend events and catch up with news.
During our 17 year history, in addition to our main venues, we have used several London theatres for our productions, including The Criterion, The Fortune, The Cockpit and The Broadway Theatre, Lewisham, Putney Arts Theatre, The Union Chapel and site specific and open air work ay St Mary’s Paddington and Cecil Sharp House.
Our history is, of course, still being written. Come and be a part of it.
Joint Artistic Directors
Judith Pollard & Mark Akrill
Patron
Carmen Munroe
Chair of the Trustees
Rebecca Smedley
Company Administrator
Alexander Abbott
Trustees
Rita Baker
Paolo Carraro
Paris Johnson
Malcolm Harrington
Accountants
Silver Levene