Fred Proud

Fred Proud (born 20th century) is a British theatre director.

Education
He graduated from the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in London in 1967.

Career
Proud is the co-founder of the Soho Theatre Company, which he set up with his partner, the writer Verity Bargate, in 1969. Known at the time as the Soho Poly Theatre, it won wide acclaim for its production of cutting-edge plays establishing itself as a home of good acting and arresting texts, which ranged from modern English and American plays to Sheridan.

He was artistic director with the company for many years – initially at the Soho Theatre, 6a, New Compton Street, then for two seasons of plays at the King's Head, 199 Upper Street, and thereafter at the Soho Poly in Riding House Street. The Soho Poly was the starting point for many of the best-known actors, writers, designers and directors still working today. It was especially important in the showcasing of women in the theatre.

Proud continued directing at venues including the Ludlow Festival, Greenwich Theatre and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. He returned to the Riding House Street space when it was revived by the University of Westminster, helping with the restoration and giving poetry readings and talks.

In 2018, Proud directed a staged reading of Friedrich Durrenmatt’s play One Autumn Evening, starring Peter Marinker, Paul Alexander, James Sanderson and Poppy Abbott to mark exactly fifty years since the Soho Theatre was founded. This play was the first-ever production by the company, performed at London's Open Space Theatre in 1968.

Proud puts his verse-speaking skills to good use on his YouTube channel (Fred Proud@Caspar33).

Retirement
Now retired, Proud divides his time between London and Minas Gerais in Brazil.