John trained as an actor at the Actors Workshop (1969-1971), London’s first post-war Stanislavski-based studio. In theatre, his work has ranged from young people’s theatre to extensive regional theatre, including Manchester’s Royal Exchange and the Playhouses of W.Yorkshire and Nottingham, from touring 2000-seat venues with Shakespeare to a tent at Rotherham Miners’ Gala, from fringe and independent theatre to the West End and London Theatres including the Royal Court and Young Vic. He was in the first W. End production of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and the first feminist play at the Royal Court, Ripen Our Darkness by Sarah Daniels. He has worked with many varied directors including Nancy Diuguid, Mike Alfreds, Danny Boyle, Don Taylor and Sir Anthony Quayle. He has worked on radio series, serials and plays; on television plays, soaps, series and serials; independent film; the corporate sector, role play, voice-overs and commercials.
John diversified into teaching and directing at the end of the 1970s, has worked in leading drama schools such as Rose Bruford College, RADA, LAMDA, CSSD, Italia Conti, GSA, Identity, and East 15, where he ran the post graduate course between 2000 and 2003. At these schools, and at theatres inside and around London and in Singapore, he has directed scores of productions, both classical, modern and contemporary, from Shakespeare and John Ford to Beckett and Wesker, from the Greeks to Lorca and Miller, Simon Stephens and April de Angelis. He has also run acting workshops both in the UK, Europe and the US, and for the RSC, and co-run two theatre companies producing professional showcases and productions.
Uri Roodner, Head of BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre Course, East 15
“Gillett’s mastery of the teaching of Stanislavski, together with his own vast experience, generosity, and theatrical instinct, makes him a significant actor-training tutor. “
East 15 Acting School BA finals production of contemporary scenes at the Seven Dials Playhouse in London’s West End
“It’s been the most amazing, exhilarating, exciting, exhausting learning experience. From the start I felt that I had your support as a teacher, director and friend – allowing me to find confidence in and explore my abilities as an actor. I’m glad to be able to say that I was on a course I’m proud of. We’ve been given a solid, professional basis on which to build, all in only three terms too!” – Melissa Ashworth
“Not only is he a skilled tutor who gets excellent results, he also puts an unbelievable amount of his personal time and energy in to the course and each individual student. He is incredibly patient and thorough. I’ve studied on a relatively large amount of further and higher education courses. I’ve got to know many good tutors, but John Gillett is miles above any expectations I could have had as a result of this” –
The student who brought John a Student’s Award for “great teachers at Essex University”
In 2007, John wrote Acting on Impulse: Reclaiming the Stanislavski Approach, a practical workbook for actors (Methuen Drama). (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/acting-on-impulse-reclaiming-the-stanislavski-approach-9781408147733).
In 2014, this was revised, expanded and updated in a new edition as Acting Stanislavski – A practical guide to Stanislavski’s approach and legacy (Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2014). (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/acting-stanislavski-9781408185735),
He also co-wrote with Christina Gutekunst Voice into Acting – Integrating voice and the Stanislavski approach (Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2014, and now in its second edition, 2021).
(https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/voice-into-acting-9781350064911/)
The Machine Breakers, East 15
The Memory of Water, Guildford School of Acting
Widows, East 15
The Crucible, East 15
Frida and Diego: A Love Story, East 15
