Sonia Friedman appointed president of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Producer Sonia Friedman has been named the new president of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

She succeeds director Michael Grandage, who in October announced he was stepping down from the role after 12 years. 

A private event was held on November 16 to celebrate Grandage’s work with the London drama school and to announce the appointment of fellow Central graduate Friedman as the new president. 

Friedman studied stage management on the school’s tech course, graduating in 1985. 

The multi award-winning West End and Broadway producer was made an honorary fellow of the school in 2014, along with her sister Maria Friedman.

Sonia Friedman, whose current productions include The Book of Mormon and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, said: "Whatever their discipline, artists, actors and arts practitioners need a space to grow – somewhere to start to understand themselves, their craft and, crucially, the world around them. 

"It is in these spaces that we begin working out the ways in which we might contribute to, comment on and change society for the better. For me, that place was Central – a safe space for big adventures. It all started there."

Friedman added: "As president, I want this wonderful, forward-thinking school to be that place of personal and professional growth - of risk, empathy, creativity and compassion – for a diverse new generation of theatrical talent."

Grandage described Friedman as "a fierce advocate for the industry she serves", and said the student body would benefit from her "energy and ambition".

Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo said: "Central is delighted to welcome Sonia Friedman, one of the world’s most dynamic practitioners and a Central graduate, as our new president. 

"The way she impacts our industry has a lifelong and extensive reach. We are so excited to have her with us. Welcome home, Sonia."