New Director of Performing Arts Appointed

Cranleigh School is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Whitson as its inaugural Director of Performing Arts, a newly created leadership role that will bring together Music, Drama and Dance under a single strategic vision.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the School’s continuing commitment to the arts, and reflects Cranleigh’s ambition to establish one of the leading school performing arts programmes in the country. Created to provide strategic, artistic and operational leadership across the Performing Arts, the role will unite Cranleigh’s extensive provision into a coherent and ambitious programme that strengthens participation, excellence and innovation across the School.

Stephen joins Cranleigh with an outstanding professional reputation in theatre and the performing arts, bringing extensive experience working at the highest level in the UK and internationally. He trained at The Dance School of Scotland, where he was awarded the Musical Theatre Award, before continuing his professional training at the London Studio Centre and Arts Educational Schools London, three of the UK’s most respected institutions for performing arts education.

Beginning his career as a performer, Stephen appeared in major West End productions including Chicago and the Olivier Award-winning Crazy For You. He later established himself as one of the industry’s most respected creative leaders, holding senior creative roles on productions including Hamilton and Moulin Rouge! in the West End and internationally.

His work spans theatre, music and live events at the highest level. Projects include directing West Side Story with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms, creating Diary of a CEO Live with Steven Bartlett, and this summer, directing Death Note, a new musical by Tony, Grammy and Emmy nominee Frank Wildhorn, at London’s Barbican Theatre.

Alongside his professional work, Stephen has built a strong reputation in arts education, teaching and directing at leading conservatoires and specialist institutions including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and The Arts Educational Schools, London. His experience combines expertise across music, drama and dance with a deep commitment to developing young people and supporting progression into higher education and professional careers.

In his role at Cranleigh, Stephen will lead the development of a unified Performing Arts faculty spanning Pre-Prep to Sixth Form. He will oversee the School’s programme of productions, concerts and performances, strengthen partnerships with professional arts organisations, and help shape the vision for a future Performing Arts Centre that will transform creative opportunities for pupils. His appointment underlines the School’s determination to invest in exceptional talent and provide pupils with access to the highest standards of artistic leadership, teaching and creative opportunity.

Stephen Whitson said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cranleigh School at such an exciting point in its development. There is already a strong tradition of performing arts here, and a real opportunity to build on that with a programme that is both inclusive, and ambitious.

“I believe a strong arts education equips every pupil with the skills, confidence and creativity that will shape their future success, whatever path they choose. At the same time, I’m excited to create additional opportunities for those who wish to pursue the performing arts professionally, establishing clear pathways that support them in taking their next steps.”

Stephen will take up the position in September 2026.

Of course, we had to ask Mr Whitson some performing arts-related questions:

What is your favourite song/prose to perform on stage?
One of my favourite moments on stage was performing I Got Rhythm from Crazy For You at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Opera House. It was a special experience performing in front of so many industry peers, made even better when our show won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival that evening.

Who inspired you to go into Performing Arts? 
There weren’t any theatre people in my family growing up, but my parents were always happy to take me to see shows, and seeing the good, the bad and the downright terrible became part of my theatre education. A real turning point was watching an open rehearsal by the Dutch dance company NDT on a school trip – the way the dancers told stories through movement felt incredibly powerful, and I remember thinking, “I’d love to do that.” Not long after, a friend persuaded me to audition for our local youth theatre, I caught the bug, and the rest is history.

If you recieved free tickets to attend any show of your choice, what would you chose and why?
Death Note: The Musical at the Barbican this summer. I may be slightly biased as I’m directing it, but it’s a genuinely thrilling piece of musical theatre with an incredible score by Frank Wildhorn and choreography by Olivier Award winner Fabian Aloise. It’s thought-provoking, exciting and unlike anything else currently on the London stage. it’s a show that welcomes everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong theatre fan, a Death Note fan, or completely new to the story, it asks big questions about justice, power and morality while delivering a hugely entertaining night at the theatre. We’ve also assembled a fantastic company of performers who are bringing real heart, intelligence and energy to the story.