The Board of Governors of the Central School of Speech and Drama have announced that Gavin Henderson CBE has accepted their offer to become the new Principal, commencing September 2007. Gavin will continue in his role of Artistic Director for Dartington International Summer School and the year round arts programme, carrying his 20+ year association with Dartington into a new and exciting time of opportunity.

Vaughan Lindsay expresses the delight of all at the Trust at this news: "Gavin has always brought valuable insight, and many friendships and partnerships, to Dartington through the work he has done elsewhere – such as Brighton Festival, Trinity College of Music, Laban, Youth Music and the European Festivals Association. We feel sure that his new life with Central will be just as fruitful. He will continue in his capacity as Artistic Director of Dartington’ International Summer School and of the year round programme of arts. We wish Gavin and Central all success for the future."

Paul Taiano, Chairman of the Central Board of Governors, adds: "We are absolutely delighted that Gavin Henderson will be our new Principal. He brings enormous experience of the theatre, and indeed across all the arts, as well as a distinguished track record in Higher Education. Gavin will be able to build upon the success of Gary Crossley’s tenure, which has seen Central designated as the Centre for Excellence in Training for Theatre (CETT) by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), become a Federal College within the University of London, absorb the Webber Douglas Academy and gain Taught Degree Awarding Powers in its own right. We look forward to moving towards Phase 5 of our estate development at Swiss Cottage, and to developing a range of international partnerships.

We are happy that Gavin should continue in his role as Artistic Director of Dartington’s International Summer School."

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