A message from Urdang Director David Blake

David Blake, Director of Urdang

I hope this message finds you in great spirits. I’m excited to share that in 2022, Urdang became part of City St George’s, University of London. We are now proudly integrated within the School of Communication and Creativity, forming a dynamic performing arts department alongside music.

While we embrace this exciting new chapter, Urdang remains true to its unique identity.

As we continue to grow and evolve, I invite you to reconnect and be part of the vibrant Urdang and larger City St George’s community. With a network of 170,000 alumni across 170 countries, we have incredible opportunities for collaboration and partnership that will enrich our community. The spirit of Urdang thrives through our commitment to supporting one another and celebrating our diverse paths.

Urdang Updates and Achievements
I’m thrilled to share the latest accomplishments of our talented graduates. In 2022, an impressive 97% of our graduates secured professional industry representation upon completing their courses. Many have successfully transitioned into top West End shows.

Currently, six Urdang graduates are on the world tour with Dua Lipa, while seven graduates are part of the &Juliet UK tour. Three of them serve as covers for the lead role, played by Gerardine Sacdalan. Additionally, Olivier Award winner Matt Henry MBE is co-starring with Vanessa Williams in The Devil Wears Prada.

The ability of our graduates to seamlessly integrate into the professional theatre industry is a testament to the high-quality education and preparation provided by Urdang. These accomplished individuals continue to make a significant impact not only on the West End stage but also in television and film.

We are also proud to announce that Urdang alumna Leah Hills is serving as the Assistant Choreographer for the Wicked movie, alongside 32 other graduates from Urdang who are showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts.

Looking ahead, our merger with City St George’s six schools opens up exciting avenues for interdisciplinary learning. Our students, along with our alumni, will benefit from exposure to diverse fields such as Business, Communication, Health, Law, Politics and Technology, gaining insights that foster creativity, innovation and a broader perspective on employability. We are currently awaiting approval to launch Urdang’s inaugural MA in Performance Management and Practice in 2025! More details can be found on City’s website.

To be part of Urdang moving forward, I encourage you to connect with fellow alumni and take full advantage of our alumni services. Please update your details and stay in touch with us. Your involvement enriches our community, and we want to hear your stories and successes!

Thank you for being an essential part of the Urdang City St George’s family. I welcome you to join our dynamic and engaging community!

Best wishes,
David Blake, Urdang Director