Rate My Professor Neil Scissons

Neil Sissons serves as Senior Lecturer in Performance within the Department of Humanities at Sheffield Hallam University, where he contributes to the Arts and Culture faculty through his specialization in Performance for Stage and Screen. Born in Sheffield, he obtained his drama education at Bretton Hall College and Leeds University, which propelled him into a prolific career in professional theatre. In 1981, Sissons founded the Compass Theatre Company, assuming the role of Artistic Director for nearly three decades. He directed more than 100 professional productions, centering the company's repertoire exclusively on classical masterpieces by authors including Sophocles, Shakespeare, Georg Büchner, Samuel Beckett, Arthur Miller, and Harold Pinter. The company garnered international recognition, performing tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and various global locations, thus disseminating classical drama to wide audiences.

Sissons's longstanding partnership with acclaimed playwright John Godber, enduring over 30 years, includes serving as Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre for eight years. Subsequently, he has directed key productions for the John Godber Company such as Shafted, the West End hit Scary Bikers, Sunny Side Up, Living on Fresh Air, and Happy Jack. In his academic capacity at Sheffield Hallam University, Sissons has been honored with three Inspirational Teaching Awards and the prestigious Vice Chancellor's Award for exceptional lecturing. Featured on the university's list of inspirational teachers for stage and screen, he receives commendations from students for his engaging demeanor, with one noting, 'To have had the opportunity to work with such an engaging man has been an incredible advantage.' By fusing his vast practical theatre expertise with pedagogical innovation, Sissons exerts considerable impact on the field of arts and culture education.