The Traverse Theatre today announces the successful candidates who will join the organisation’s artistic and producing team following an extensive recruitment process. The appointments form part of a new leadership structure to evolve the organisation’s position as a leading voice for the arts in Scotland and beyond.
Gareth Nicholls – previously the organisation’s Associate Director and Interim Artistic Director – becomes Co-Artistic Director of the Traverse Theatre Company, in partnership with director Debbie Hannan, who was born and raised in Edinburgh and joins the organisation fresh from her recent success directing the National Theatre of Scotland’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Jenni Fagan’s The Panopticon.
Lesley Anne Rose will join the Traverse as Director of Creative Development, working with both Gareth and Debbie to develop new pathways for the most exciting new voices in Scotland and further afield, to create crucial and exciting new work for the Traverse’s stages. Alongside this position, she will continue her work as an appointed Embedded Artist working with Creative Carbon Scotland and Climate Ready Clyde.
Lesley Anne will be supported in her role as Director of Creative Development by Sunniva Ramsay – currently the Traverse’s Creative Producer – as Senior Producer, Creative Development. Eleanor White – currently the organisation’s Literary Assistant – becomes Literary Associate.
The new team members will be active in their positions from early 2020.
Alongside these new leadership positions, the Traverse is thrilled to introduce its three newest Board members – Rebecca O’Brien, who has enjoyed a successful career as an independent film producer who has worked on many of Ken Loach’s acclaimed films; award-winning writer and theatremaker Kieran Hurley, who wrote the Traverse’s recent smash hit production of Mouthpiece and the British Independent Film Award nominee BEATS; and Bryony Shanahan, Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
They join current board members former Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Parliament and Chairman of Edinburgh Airport Sir John Elvidge (Chair); Sponsorship and Development Director of the Edinburgh International Festival Christopher Wynn; Arts Consultant Morag Ballantyne; Director and Chief Executive of Manchester’s HOME and Director of Culture for Manchester City Council Dave Moutrey; Blackadders’ Legal Partner (specializing in Employment Law) Donna Reynolds; and former president of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Myriam Madden.
The Traverse will also open applications early in 2020 for additional board positions to provide additional support and consultation in evolving the organisation’s work in the areas of digital, artistic and audience diversity. More details of this recruitment will be forthcoming.