Professor David Shirley is executive director and executive dean of the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Prior to his appointment at WAAPA in 2019, Prof Shirley is director of the Manchester School of Theatre within Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). He was also head of drama at MMU and head of the School of Theatre at Rose Bruford College. Prof Shirley is a director and trained actor with numerous film, television and radio credits to his name. He is chair of the Federation of Drama Schools; Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (FRSA); and Associate Editor of Theatre, Dance and Performance Training Journal. He holds a Diploma of Acting from The Arts Educational Drama School, a Bachelor of Arts from University of London, and a Master of Arts from King’s College London & The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
