19/01/2022
With great regret, Laine Theatre Arts has announced the retirement of its Principal Miss Betty Laine, OBE. Miss Laine stepped down on the 6th January.
Following a highly successful career as a dancer and triple-threat performer during which time she appeared with some of the country’s best-known entertainers in the West End’s most famous theatres, Betty Laine founded Laine Theatre Arts in 1974. From its early days in church halls, above shops and empty offices in the rural villages of Surrey, the college settled in purpose-built, dance studios in Epsom in 1987. Since then, Laine Theatre Arts has grown from a small college of just twelve students into one of the world’s leading dance and musical theatre conservatoires.
Laine graduates, ‘Laineys’, are to be found in leading roles in the West End, on Broadway and in major theatres, concert halls, film and television studios across the globe. Alumni include Oscar, Olivier and BAFTA winners together with some of the industry’s best-known performers and creatives responsible for some of the most successful dance and musical theatre productions of their time.
Chair of Governors, Professor Mark Hunt said
‘Miss Betty Laine OBE has inspired generations of students who have made a major impact on the theatre industry. She has provided guidance, support and inspiration to staff and students for over 40 years, underpinned by hard work and great leadership. Her knowledge and depth of experience has created a legacy for Laine Theatre Arts which will ensure that her wisdom is embodied in the ethos and culture of the College as it moves forward to its next stage of development.’
Betty Laine will retain her close connection with the college via the LTA Alumni Association and will retain her place on the Governing Body. She will also direct this year’s annual Spring Showcase and the internationally acclaimed Summer Show which attracts audiences from all over the world.
Sean Williams, Executive Director, to whom all enquiries should be addressed, [email protected] has been appointed Interim Principal until a permanent successor is in place.
Leading international executive search firm, Perret Laver, has been engaged to lead the college’s search for a successor.
