The Marlowe Theatre has announced the appointment of Thabo Stuck-Mekela as its first Director of Vocational Strategy, a newly created senior role designed to strengthen vocational training, workforce development and access to careers in the performing arts.
Joining the Canterbury venue in September 2026, Stuck-Mekela will lead the development of the theatre’s vocational training programmes and create new opportunities for people seeking to enter the creative industries.
The appointment comes at a time when the cultural sector is facing significant skills shortages, particularly in technical theatre roles. As the largest performing arts employer in Kent, the Marlowe Theatre says it aims to play a leading role in developing new pathways into the industry through workplace-based learning and training opportunities.
The new position builds on a range of existing initiatives already delivered by the theatre, including its award-winning apprenticeship programme, more than 800 hours of annual work experience for college students, and the Marlowe Academy of Performing Arts, which delivers a UAL Level 3 Performing Arts course in partnership with East Kent Colleges Group.
Stuck-Mekela joins from Chelsea Physic Garden, where he served as Head of Learning and Public Engagement. His previous roles include Learning Producer at Historic Royal Palaces, teaching at The BRIT School, and serving as the first Lambeth Baylis Trustee at The Old Vic.
Deborah Shaw, Chief Executive of the Marlowe Theatre, said: “With Thabo joining us, our strategy will be to grow the number of opportunities we offer, target them where they are most needed and link them to real job opportunities in the creative industries – one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy, which is suffering from major skills shortages.
“By bringing this work under one dedicated strategic lead, we can develop partnerships, create new programmes and build on the success of our award-winning apprenticeships and further education programmes. Thabo has a passion for creating vocational training opportunities and for broadening access to those opportunities. His experience across the performing arts, heritage and education will bring new ideas and perspective to a vocational training strategy which will be a major focus of our next Business Plan, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Marlowe.”
Stuck-Mekela said: “I’ve never believed that talent is in short supply, but access to opportunity often is.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by a simple question: how do we create more opportunities for more people to discover their potential and develop meaningful careers in the creative industries?
“What’s particularly exciting about the Marlowe Theatre is its commitment to placing vocational training and workforce development at the heart of its future vision. The foundations are already incredibly strong, with a range of partnerships and programmes that are making a real difference to young people across Kent.
“I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and industry organisations to build on that success, strengthen connections between education and employment, and create even more opportunities for the next generation of creative talent.”
The Marlowe Theatre has made workforce development a key part of its long-term strategy, supporting more than 100 young people each year through apprenticeships and work experience opportunities across a variety of theatre-making disciplines.
More information can be found here.
