Pedagogy

Farokh is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. The way he explains things, even the most complex theories, makes it accessible and memorable. The exercises he runs in his writing classes always inspire creativity and as a one-to-one tutor he is insightful and a great help to develop your own unique style. Thanks for everything Farokh!

A brilliant teacher, with a warm, friendly and focused style. As I’m writing, I often think unprompted of his ideas.

Farokh is a kind, generous and brilliant teacher, script-editor, dramaturg, sound-designer, lecturer (on subjects including phenomenology and audio drama), researcher, and baker. He always worked to create opportunities for former students-myself included-and has been incredibly supportive to hundreds if not thousands of emerging artists. Nearly a decade after studying with Farkoh, I am so grateful to him for everything he taught me.

Farokh has one of the most brilliant minds I have ever encountered. I am so lucky to have had him as my tutor. His belief in me and my writing and his critical but nurturing guidance has elevated me to a higher level than I ever imagined. Academic research and theorization is much less daunting thanks to Farokh.

He was so patient and open with me and I am definitely carrying many of his lessons with me into the next chapter of my professional life.

Farokh was the best of all words as an academic and teacher: committed to continuously learning and understanding the craft at the highest level, but most importantly, marrying that commitment to a real, genuine commitment to his students’ wellbeing and education. He supported, he made us laugh, he made us think. He’s a gem of a man and you should work with him immediately.

Farokh is an amazing instructor. His lectures are current, using both classic and new films as a reference. When advising on research, he has a broad and deep knowledge on any topic. He also has amazing follow up. His feedback is encouraging and focused and always took my scripts and research to a higher level. In addition to his skill, expertise and knowledge, his genuine care and concern for each student and their success inspired me long past my time at CSSD.

Farokh has taught me things that I’m still sharing and utilising nearly a decade later. He’s an excellent and engaging educator who’s style and kindness I hope to bring everyone I’m now educating others

One of my most searing memories at Central was Farokh calming explaining to me the pitfalls of the cult of genius directly after a senior member of staff had raved about the brilliance of the opening show for a new theatre company called “ponyboy curtis”…

Farokh’s ability to disseminate and consider communication rivals the best of the best, whether he is teaching writing, performance or philosophy. I was, and still am, extremely lucky to have been taught by him.

You’re weird, but you’re awesome!

Farokh supervised my MA dissertation at Royal Central. Having travelled from elsewhere later in life to embark this academic thrill of a postgraduate study, I was not sure if I was going to make it. For me it all came together during the last months of my studies while working on my independent research. I learnt that clarity comes not from waiting but from doing. During my studies I also learnt that a pedagogue literally means someone who walks beside you. Farokh helped me to contextualise my practice for myself and therefore had an unmeasurable impact on my self-esteem as a developing academic. His confidence in me, helped me to allow him to walk with me through the ordeal of some of those inner barriers. And the cheesecake, surely worth embarking a PhD for.

Farokh taught me whilst I studied my MA at RCSSD several years ago, and I will always remember how kind, passionate and knowledgeable he came across regarding all things theatre.

Farokh was the highlight of my time at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I graduated six years ago, and still refer back to his advice and class materials for help. His classroom is a hub of empowerment and support for storytellers of all backgrounds. A champion for writers of colour, an empathetic and informed leader, and a great chef to boot; Farokh is a one in a million educator.

There were many times throughout my MFA at RCSSD where I wanted to throw my hands up & move on to the next assignment/scene/idea/habit and would think to myself, “ah, who gives a shit”. Farokh Soltani, unfortunately – for me, for him, and likely for you, gives a shit. About everything and everyone. Which is what made and makes him such a fabulous educator and dramaturg. Farokh gave a shit about every half baked idea, joke, and thought. Even to people whose ideas, jokes, and thoughts really shouldn’t be given a shit (shat?) about. He approaches everything he’s invited to work on with the utmost care and positive attitude; and wasn’t ever concerned – to his detriment – about how much sleep that could afford him. Every win I got throughout my writing process was his too, and his passion is dangerously catching. Buyer beware: engaging Farokh on a project means that you will be working with someone who can and will draw blood from a stone. Tragically, he had changed my work ethic as a theatremaker and educator, and I know my students are the better for it. I’m sorry (only a little) for swearing, but know that it bears repeating; Farokh Soltani gives a big fat shit about his work. Even if his work is technically yours.

*just accidentally submitted too soon with an egregious typo so am trying again

Farokh is an incredible lecturer who has inspired thousands of students-myself included. His research and expertise is vast and varied and includes phenomenology and audio drama, in addition to expertise in feedback, play development and structure, and generating new work. He is a generous, kind, and infectiously witty teacher, lecturer, dramaturg, sound designer, mentor, and baker. Nearly a decade after studying with Farokh, I still treasure the lessons I learned from him and am extremely grateful to have had his warmth, intellectual rigour, and pedagogical soundness within a sometimes challenging institution. Farokh is an incredible asset to any artist or institution.

Farokh was one of the most inspirational tutors I had when studying for my MA. Challenging and caring in equal measure he got me through many an existential crisis mostly unscathed. I had my most thought provoking and rewarding debates in his classes.

The best teacher in the world!!! I wish I could just have him with me every day of my life!! Finds everything interesting, and always makes you feel smart and involved and inspired, no matter how you’re feeling about yourself. Also knows everything about everything!!!

Farokh is a fantastic teacher. He provided excellent coaching/mentoring during my practice research. He was an amazing sounding board, helping me achieve lightbulb moments AND making phenomenology digestible! After my degree, he was always willing to support me with projects (even if they didn’t take off/get funding). Any university/student/arts org would be lucky to work with him!

Farokh is a wonderful lecturer and an absolute joy to work with! His support has given me so much confidence and technique in phenomenology and sound design.

I still remember vividly Farokh stubbing a cabbage with a big knife during his class to demonstrate how the phenomenology of radio works. It takes a very creative teacher and researcher to create such strong audiovisual connection between theory and practice and make it stuck in the students heads.

In my second year as an immigrant in London, after facing discrimination, Farokh was one of the few people who made me feel valued rather than judged. With his warm smile, kind heart, and helpful advice, he helped me understand aspects of my university essay that I previously struggled with. He is such an inspiring and generous tutor.

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I had no idea that archiving in theatre could be so interesting and engaging. Farokh took us on a walk and showed us the oldest form of archiving (a cemetery) and very practically demonstrated all the ways a cemetery performs as a space and how visitors in a cemetery both perform and spectate in accordance to the ideologies contained within that performance. It’s what launched me into my Masters dissertation and I have never looked at museums or cemeteries the same again. Farokh was always excellent and demonstrating his knowledge in performance context. Making it so much easier to understand the material. Always had time for a discussion, course related or not. I will carry his lessons with me always. – Central student.