Traverse Theatre announces new artistic leadership team and board appointments
The Traverse Theatre announces the successful candidates who will join the organisation’s artistic and producing team following an extensive recruitment process.
THE TRAVERSE THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP TEAM, BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND BOARD OPPORTUNITIES AS IT ENTERS ITS NEXT CHAPTER AHEAD OF 60th ANNIVERSARY IN 2023.
• Artistic leadership team includes Gareth Nicholls and Debbie Hannan as Co-Artistic Directors, Traverse Theatre Company; Lesley Anne Rose as Director of Creative Development and Sunniva Ramsay as Senior Producer, Creative Development
• Independent film producer Rebecca O’Brien, writer Kieran Hurley and stage director Bryony Shanahan join the Board
• Applications for new Board positions to further advise on the organisation’s digital work and artistic and audience diversity to be advertised shortly
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.
Linda Crooks, Executive Producer says:
“The Traverse Theatre is absolutely delighted to welcome such exciting new additions to our leadership team. Gareth, Debbie and Lesley Anne will join a passionate, talented and driven team and help propel us into the next phase of our evolution, representing new voices and stories on stage and reaching new eyes and ears in audiences. We look forward to the innovative, important and entertaining work we know they will discover, develop and present in collaboration with the other members of the artistic and producing team.
We are additionally thrilled to have such inspiring new Board members in Rebecca O’Brien, Kieran Hurley and Bryony Shanahan. They join us at a pivotal moment and their collective insight, experience and counsel will be crucial in supporting the wider team in achieving its many ambitions in upcoming years.”
Sir John Elvidge, Chair of the Traverse Theatre Board says:
“This is an important and extremely exciting moment for the Traverse, as it moves forward with a more dynamic and sustainable business model to better realise its vision to deliver excellent and challenging work to audiences at home and across the world. These additions to the leadership team and Board speak to the organisation’s ambitions to nurture stories from unheard voices and continue to break new ground with the plays we produce.
We welcome our new colleagues and the valuable contributions they will make in widening the Traverse’s engagement with artists and audiences beyond our building’s walls. Together we will continue to break down barriers and boundaries in everything we do. Sharing stories and experiences may never have been so important as they are now, and we are eager to represent as many of them as we can to curious and enthusiastic audiences.”
Gareth Nicholls says:
“It’s a thrilling time to be at the Traverse and I’m honored to be continuing my work here alongside Debbie, Lesley Anne and the rest of the brilliant team at the Traverse. Scotland is blessed with an abundance of passionate writers telling vital stories and I’m looking forward to working with them to create entertaining, dynamic and ambitious new work that places audiences at their heart. I can’t wait to get started.”
Debbie Hannon says:
"I am thrilled to be returning to my home-town to join such a brilliant and ambitious team who are transforming theatre from the inside out. The Traverse’s adventurous and inherently democratic mission to deliver new stories and expand their audiences encourages a widening where the world is currently narrowing: it is rooted in the kind of radicalism that Scotland does best – bold, brilliant, inclusive, in a voice of our own.
I first came to the Traverse as a local kid on a school trip, and heard working class characters speaking in my accent on stage for the first time. I knew then that my voice was valid, that the stage wasn’t an exclusive space. We will bring this experience to a whole new range of people, as we go beyond the building to expand who tells and experiences our stories."
Lesley Anne Rose says:
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be joining the Traverse at such a pivotal and exciting time for the organisation. The Traverse offered me my first job in Scottish theatre when I moved here ten years ago and forms an important and formative part of my past. I look forward to being part of its future and discovering the as yet unknown voices and untold stories which will be brought to vibrant life on its Edinburgh stages and far beyond.”
Latest Local News
The Scottish Wedding Show returns for its February showcase
Book up to break away with Macdonald Resorts
GRAHAM kick starts partnership with Street League
Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel opens its venue to brides and grooms
Salvage Hunters on hunt for Scottish locations to feature on the upcoming series
National Theatre Live: Best of 2019 returns to Vue Edinburgh Omni
Photo Illusions Created by Homeless Young Scots go on Show
Macdonald Resorts to help spread Christmas cheer with Emergency Service Discount
Eat, Rock and Be Merry at Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow and Edinburgh this Christmas
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2020 commission announced
Big Screen Christmas treats coming up at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni
Planning a festive proposal...
Mrs Browns Boys is Back!
Roland Gulliver to step down as Associate Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival
Award winning 21 year old CEO, Chris Thomas, reveals the secrets of his success
Scotch liqueur crowned king of the castle in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Gin Advert premieres with projection onto The Dome
Festive fun for a good cause at Edinburgh care home
Traverse Theatre announces Spring 2020 Season
Alasdair Gray wins the Inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award
Get your hands on some of the hottest tickets in town this Black Friday
Edinburgh care home set to celebrate first anniversary in style
Lothians Schoolgirl crowned best home baker in Scotland
Family festivities begin at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Omni with CBeebies Christmas Show: Hansel and Gretel
Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow and Edinburgh will serve up a rockin meal for guests this Thanksgiving!
Edinburgh care home chef turns up the heat in national awards
Cat Hepburn embarks on Scottish student tour as part of Book Week Scotland
Traverse Theatre announces new artistic leadership team and board appointments
Musical spectacular arrives at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni
Scotland asked to come together with One Kind Act
Sponsored Links
Popular Events
Free Tickets For BBC Recording
Scotland’s top funny man, Mark Nelson, leads a panel of comedians and personalities attempting to decipher the good from the bad, with a few unexpected twists along the way.Disney’s The Lion King
The story of THE LION KING is miraculously brought to life using masks, puppets and striking costumes to tell the story of young Simba's epic adventures.Dome Nights
Sit back and relax for this 360° cinematic experience as Dynamic Earth brings you the return of Dome Nights this January!Jane McDonald: Let the Light In
Jane McDonald is back at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 5th June 2020 with her brand new show 'Let the Light In'!Burns Ceilidh
Come celebrate Scotland's greatest poet in true Scottish style with a Burns Ceilidh at The Three Sisters!Advertise With Us
Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!
