Born
United Kingdom
Born to an Arab mother, Lika Dale, and an English father, Patrick Dale. His mum was the strongest and most resilient person he ever knew.
EMIL
EMIL DALE THINKS HE'S A: FOUNDER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, THEATRE-MAKER, INVESTOR and the owner of Emil Dale Academy, one of the UK's top musical theatre training colleges recognised as a POWERHOUSE in all-round musical theatre training.
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Academy Founder
Emil founded Emil Dale Academy - one of the UK's top musical theatre training colleges.
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Director & Producer
Emil has directed and produced over 20 musicals and productions including the Other Palace London, O2 Indigo London and Theatro Technis in Kings Cross.
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Theatre Creator
Emil founded the Factory Playhouse Theatre in Hitchin - 200-seater theatre in an old, disused Factory.
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Production Company
Emil founded Factory Playhouse Productions - developing new work starting with Kin a new Musical at the Other Palace in Victoria London & Teatro Technics in Kings Cross London.
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Talent Agency
Emil Co-founded DHA talent agency - with Victoria Hammond.
1984
1987
Loss
United Kingdom
Patrick, Emil's father, tragically dies in a car accident. With very little family, Lika (Emil's mother) found herself bringing up Emil alone.
1988
Homeless
Arlesey
Emil and his mum found themselves in an impossible circumstances which left them homeless. This led them to being placed in half-way temporary accommodation in Arlesey. No inside toilet or bathroom. Emil's mum, who was extremely qualified, desperately tried to find work but struggled as her qualifications from different countries were not recognised in the UK.
1992
Move to Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Emil and Lika were fortunate enough to placed in a council house. This was a lifeline for Emil's mother as they had a place they could call home. Lika got a job as an English teacher at North Hertfordshire College which helped improve their over all situation.
1999
Fantasia
Church Hall
Emil's first self-written show in a church hall with help from Mum and friends. Proof you can make something from nothing.
2001
Fluid Theatre Company (age 17)
United Kingdom
Emil's first theatre company was launched. Early original work (The Habit That Kicks You). Step from hobby to habit.
2003
Receptionist at Toni & Guy
United Kingdom
Emil worked on and off here for six years before, during, and after drama school. Learned about brand, service, retention, processes, systems and people.
2004
National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT)
National Theatre, London
Emil performed at the National Theatre with NYMT.
2004–2007
Arts Ed London (BA Musical Theatre, scholarship)
Arts Educational School, London
Here Emil learnt everything about discipline, hard work and the industry. People who raise the bar become lifelong collaborators.
2009
Launches Emil Dale School of Performing Arts in Hitchin (Part-Time)
Hitchin
Launch of Emil Dale School of Performing Arts with £60 worth of flyers. He did not know it at the time, but this was the start of everything we see today. Starting with 22 students, in one primary-school hall in Hitchin.
2011
Opens small office in Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth
Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth
Emil opened the first office as the part-time school grew.
2012
DHA Agency (Dale Hammond Associates)
United Kingdom
Emil co-founded talent representation arm with Vicky Hammond, a friend from Primary School.
2014
Launches Emil Dale Studios & Sixth Form
Wilbury Way, Hitchin
Emil launched first full-time course (Sixth Form) in all round musical theatre and took out the first 5-year lease on an old, disused Factory in Wilbury Way, Hitchin.
2015
Launches Factory Playhouse Theatre
Hitchin
Emil was sure a theatre could be built on the first floor of the Factory premises when the team looked around at Wilbury Way - the stud ceiling had some missing tiles which meant he could see that the ceiling had height. By May 2015, a 200-seater theatre with a revolving stage was built – The Factory Playhouse. Inaugural show: West Side Story. One of Emil's proudest achievements.
2018
Launches BA (Hons) pathway
University of Bedfordshire
A new University-awarded degree delivered at Emil Dale concentrating on all round musical theatre training.
2019
Launches 2nd building LIME Studios
Hitchin
Second building was opened around the corner from the main building; five more studios. "LIME" is "Emil" backwards.
2021
Launches Factory Playhouse Productions
Hitchin
The aim was to produce professional productions, and to make and develop new work. Starting with Kin a new musical, written by Emil and Stefan Kelk.
May 2022
KIN Other Palace Theatre in London
Other Palace Theatre, London
Emil produces in London.
Aug 2022
KIN premieres (Factory Playhouse)
Factory Playhouse, Hitchin
New British musical in development world premiere – Sold out.
Nov 2023
KIN London production
Teatro Technis, King's Cross
Nine sold-out performances.
Sept 2025
Launches multi-million pound campus
The Broadway, Letchworth Garden City
Emil Dale Academy relocates to a ground-breaking multi-million-pound facility in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The new facility spans 56,000 square feet over two stories, featuring 22 studios, including dedicated spaces for singing, acting, dance, and musical theatre training. It includes a costume and props workshop, 8 private 1-to-1 singing rooms, a content creation studio, and a fully equipped on-site theatre, with access to a third 450 seater theatre across the road.
