Today curious directive announced Stephen Crocker as its new Chair of the Board. He begins with immediate effect and takes over from Leanne Cosby, who has been acting as interim Chair since Claire Simpson stepped down from the role in December.
Stephen Crocker said “curious directive is pioneering a bold and fresh approach to theatre-making that fuses science and digital technology with storytelling in a new way. I find the company’s practice hugely exciting and look forward to seeing how it grows and its work continues to develop. I am honoured and delighted to be a part of this adventure into the future by working alongside Jack Lowe as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
curious directive’s work is special because of how it entices, challenges and delights audiences and it is fantastic to see how work made in the East of England, in the company’s home city of Norwich, is now reaching audiences around the globe, featuring in Festivals in China and Australia in 2018 alone.
I believe passionately about building Norwich and Norfolk’s position as international destinations for culture and supporting Jack and the curious directive family of artists to play a leading role in this ambitious agenda.”
Artistic Director and Founder Jack Lowe said ‘It is with great pride that Stephen has agreed to be our Chair at this exciting time. Both his work at the Lowry and now with Norwich Theatre Royal and its three theatres is proof that Stephen is a visionary and inspiring person to be around. His belief in curious directive and what we do is such an important asset to the company. His sharp, forensic analysis of the state of theatre in the city and further afield offers and excellent support to me. Our team, the rest of the board and our audiences are excited for the future.’
Stephen Crocker is currently Chief Executive of Norwich Theatre Royal leading all aspects of the theatre’s work both artistic and commercial, including Norwich Playhouse and a landmark new Learning & Participation facility, Stage Two.
He began his career as a professional classical singer, touring internationally and recording widely, and held positions as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and a Lay Clerk of Manchester Cathedral.
His first role in the cultural sector was at St Martin in-the-Fields, London, as part of the small team working on the £36million restoration and redevelopment of the world-renowned church, classical music venue and centre for social care. His next role took him to Manchester as Head of Development at Manchester Camerata before joining The Lowry in 2007.
During his time at the landmark cross-arts venue, Stephen progressed from Development Director to Deputy Chief Executive, leading a number of major programmes including the venue’s award-winning Learning & Engagement programme and securing ‘Arts Charity of the Year’ at the National Charity Awards for The Lowry in 2015; developing and establishing Quays Culture, the critically acclaimed outdoor digital arts programme on MediaCityUK; and raising £5.5million to enable The Lowry’s 2020 Capital Project.
Stephen is also Vice Chair of the Albert Kennedy Trust, a Trustee of Manchester Pride, a South East Area Council Member for Arts Council England, a Director of Blackpool Grand Theatre, Dance Consortium and The Touring Partnership and a Board Member of New Anglia Culture Board and Maggie’s Manchester
