The College was saddened to learn of the death on 25 March 2018 of James Dodding, who had very longstanding connections with the institution both as a student, teacher and board member, and with Rose Bruford herself.

James Dodding was made a Fellow of the College in 2012. He was Emeritus Professor of Theatre at Wake Forest University, USA, where he enjoyed a very notable career as a distinguished teacher. He was a theatre director and teacher at major drama schools and theatres in the UK, USA, Ireland, Malta, Belgium Hong Kong and Canada, including the National Theatre School of Canada and McGill University in Montreal.

For 17 years James was a writer and broadcaster of BBC programmes for children. He studied for the theatre at Rose Bruford College between 1956 and 1959 and with Ladislav Fialka in Prague and Marcel Marceau, both renowned mime artists.  He was the author of several books on mime for children and other publications as well as being an outstanding workshop leader in all facets of drama from mime to public speaking.

James Dodding always acknowledged that his talents as a performer, director of contemporary and classical plays, writer, speaker and teacher were aroused by his association with Rose Bruford, her college and the time he spent there. He gave an address at Rose Bruford’s memorial service at St Paul’s Covent Garden in June 1984.

Prominent former students whom James Dodding taught have included Tom Baker, David Bowie, Tom Hulce, Gary Oldman and Pam St Clement.

James was fondly remembered by many alumni who regularly invited him to join their reunions, with his last visit being in 2015.

Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.