British-Irish drama teacher Anna Scher passed away from an unstated cause on November 12, 2023. She was 78.
Who Was Anna Scher?
Anna Scher, the visionary founder of the Anna Scher Theatre, made a name for herself in the history of performing arts education.
Established in 1968 in Islington, Greater London, her theatre stands as a beacon for inclusivity, especially for working-class students.
Scher’s pioneering philosophy centered around fostering love, peace, and understanding through both learning and professionalism.
The Anna Scher Theatre, one of the earliest schools of its kind, reflects her commitment to democratizing access to performing arts education.
Beyond her impactful role in education, Scher served as chairperson of the International Song Contest for Peace in Ireland and contributed her expertise to BAFTA, the Sony Awards, and the Royal Television Society as a jury member.
Her acting credits include appearances in notable productions like “The Battle of St. George Without” (1969), “You Must Be Joking!” (1974), and “Anna” (2011).
Since 2009, the Anna Scher Theatre has operated from St Silas Church in Islington, conducting classes twice a week.
In 2020, Scher passed the baton to former student and actor Dickon Tolson, who continues her legacy.