Emma Crowley Bennett, 31, from Newcastle, says she was subjected to daily abuse by her drama teacher at East 15 acting school between 2014 and 2017. The teacher no longer works at the school but still teaches in the theatre world.
Abuse in the rehearsal room
Emma, who chose East 15 for its experimental reputation, says students were naked every day. She would sometimes pretend to be on her period to keep her knickers on. The teacher made students beat each other with books, to the point where one boy bled. Emma says she was beaten naked, and a photo shows a man's back bleeding after a mirror smashed.
She was asked to imitate oral sex until she gagged, and male students simulated rape on women. The teacher filmed everything on his iPad, and dangled future tours as a way to keep students compliant.
Realisation and complaint
Emma made a formal complaint in 2024 after learning the teacher was working with someone she had warned about him. She says she felt belittled by the university during the investigation, which was triggered by a Sky News investigation in 2023.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the University of Essex and East 15 said they were appalled by the issues raised and were appointing an independent reviewer. They noted updated guidance on conduct and consent since 2021.
Reclaiming nakedness
Emma has written a show for the Edinburgh Fringe called The Nearly Naked Show, celebrating her body through 'bizarre creatures'. She says it's satisfying to realise she is a better artist than her former teacher.
