Sheffield Theatres has announced the appointment of four new Associate Companies, marking a significant step in Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman’s vision to spotlight home-grown talent alongside national and international productions.
The new Associate Companies—Forced Entertainment, Roots Mbili Theatre, Stand & Be Counted Theatre, and The Bare Project—will collaborate with Sheffield Theatres to develop new work and deepen their engagement with local communities.
Each company will gain access to Sheffield Theatres’ extensive resources across its four-venue complex, including rehearsal space, technical equipment, and creative support from the artistic and producing teams.
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, said:
“When I became Artistic Director last year, it was an exciting time to begin connecting with the many brilliant artists and companies rooted in Sheffield with a clear objective to build more meaningful partnerships – collaborating in new ways and celebrating the creative lifeblood of our city. That’s why I’m thrilled we can share the news that we are welcoming Forced Entertainment, The Bare Project, Stand and Be Counted Theatre and Roots Mbili as Sheffield Theatres’ new Associate Companies.
Each brings a bold, unique voice and a deep connection to our communities. I’ve long admired Forced Entertainment and had already encountered the powerful work of SBC Theatre and Roots Mbili before arriving in Sheffield. Discovering The Bare Project’s work since moving here has been a real joy. We are looking forward to deepening these relationships. This is a significant step in our journey to make Sheffield Theatres a true creative home – one that reflects and celebrates the extraordinary talent of this city.”
The announcement also includes the appointment of Deborah Dickinson as Creative Development Director, a new senior management role that will oversee the Associate Companies and lead talent development initiatives across South Yorkshire.
Tim Etchells, Artistic Director of Forced Entertainment, commented:
“We’re delighted to have entered this associate relationship with Sheffield Theatres – there’s a real value to organisations in the city collaborating and to working together to develop opportunities for exciting theatre in Sheffield and further afield. We’re different organisations with different approaches of course, but we’re brought together by a mutual belief that art, performance and stories all play a vital part in in the richness and diversity of the city we live and work in.”
John Rwothomack, founder and Artistic Director of Roots Mbili Theatre, added:
“Roots Mbili Theatre is proudly planted in the soil of Sheffield. For one reason or another the three of us met in this city, have all called it home for over 20 years, and we are now running a truly Sheffield rooted company. Our ambitions to date would simply have not been realised without the wonderful people of this city and Sheffield Theatres, who have been a close friend and adviser since our inception in 2021. We are beyond honoured and excited to be invited to be an associate company at this incredible organisation and very much looking forward to uncovering what is beyond this new horizon with Sheffield Theatres.”
Rosie MacPherson, Artistic Director and joint CEO of Stand & Be Counted Theatre, said:
“Everyone in the team is so excited to work with Sheffield Theatres as a new associate company. This partnership means we can take our innovative projects to even wider audiences in the future. It will also ensure our focus on championing work made with and for people seeking sanctuary can continue – and go to the next level. We can’t wait to get started.”
Malaika Cunningham, Artistic Director of The Bare Project, commented:
“We have collaborated with Sheffield Theatres in lots of ways over the years and we are very happy to now be an Associate Company. Being more closely linked with Sheffield Theatres will offer us the support we need to push our work further, both on the stage and in the city. For example, it will help us to develop Common Threads, a Sheffield-wide arts project about weaving and women taking up space in the city. And also, to take on our new, most ambitious project yet: building an outdoor theatre made from living trees, that we hope will last for at least a hundred years.”
More information can be found here.
