Rodney Cottier awarded title of Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

On Thursday 22nd May, LAMDA celebrated Rodney Cottier’s 70th birthday, where we reflected on his extraordinary contribution to LAMDA over the last five decades.  

As part of this event, it was LAMDA's privilege to confer upon Rodney the honorary title of Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama, in recognition of the significant impact that he has made on our organisation. This is LAMDA’s first ever Professorial appointment, and we can’t think of a more fitting person to receive this accolade. 

Rodney’s career at LAMDA has been nothing short of exceptional. He studied at LAMDA during the 1970s and started teaching in 1980, going on to direct productions and lead acting masterclasses, both here and overseas. As an alumnus, teacher, director, and former Head of the Drama School, Rodney’s influence has shaped generations of actors, directors and theatre makers from across the world.  

As our Associate Director, Rodney has played a remarkable and unique role in sustaining and evolving LAMDA’s international reputation. Rodney's annual masterclass series in the USA ensures that our training is held in the highest regard and that we are creating opportunities for young people to train with us in London.  

Beyond LAMDA, Rodney enjoyed a tenure as Master of Fight at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he worked on several productions (including Mark Rylance’s Hamlet). Over the years, he also brought his expertise to the Royal Opera House, English and Welsh National Operas and the National Theatre Studio, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s most revered practitioners of classical text and combat.  

It is a pleasure to honour Rodney’s contribution in this way, and to acknowledge his unwavering commitment to our students, and the wisdom and generosity that he continues to bring to our community.