Creative Directors
Craig Whiteley
“I have been involved in the performing arts all my life and had a long-standing history with The Theatre Workshop before taking over the business.
I graduated from Mountview Theatre School with a first BA Hons and enjoyed a fantastic career in the performing arts industry, from playing Eddie in Blood Brothers on tour and in the West End, to performing in The Mousetrap in its 50th year, playing the young Tommy Steele in Scrooge at The London Palladium and touring the world with the 12 Tenors. Alongside professional performing, I have been a youth director and drama teacher for 20 years, but now devote all of my work-life to teaching, where my passion lies. I was Head of Drama at The Theatre Workshop for 4 years before taking the driving seat and it has always been a real honour to work with the students in this capacity. It has been a role full of creativity, artistry, excitement and challenges. I founded the company, West End Experience originally as a platform to provide workshops to schools whilst on a national tour of Blood Brothers. Since then it has developed and grown – providing holiday schools all over the UK, including our flagship summer school in Brighton every August. There is naturally a huge crossover of students with TTW, which is particualrly rewarding.
My wife, Rebekah and I became the Creative Directors of The Theatre Workshop in 2016 and it is an absolute joy. What TTW has to offer children is something quite special – the opportunities are second to none! It is like one big family. Our tutors are the best in the biz and the creative team are a passionate and eager force, driving young people to reach their potential.”
Craig lives in Brighton with his wife, two daughters, two guinea pigs and their dog.