Staff

Jon is responsible for leading the work of the Trust, and the development and delivery of the Trust's strategy. With a wealth of experience across the theatre and arts industry, Jon joined us from the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) where he had been Director since 2008. Jon's previous roles include Director of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Executive Producer of Contact Theatre, Manchester and General Manager of TAG, Glasgow with earlier periods at Royal Conservatoire Scotland and Orchard Theatre, Kent. Jon joined Theatres Trust in January 2017.

Contact Claire if you require design and architectural advice for theatres or for information and guidance on working with theatres at risk.

Claire manages our Theatres at Risk work, advises on theatre-related capital redevelopments, and is responsible for the delivery of the Trust’s Advisory Review. Claire studied architecture at the University of Sheffield and has worked for renowned practices including Panter Hudspith Architects, Burrell Foley Fischer LLP, and Bennetts Associates. Claire has experience working on new build and refurbishment projects, both within the arts sector and on heritage buildings, including projects for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Hall in Harrogate. Claire joined Theatres Trust in June 2015.

Contact Kate if you would like to support the valuable work that the Theatres Trust does in theatres across the UK.

Kate is responsible for raising funds from trusts and foundations, public funders, individuals and corporates as well as managing our wonderful Friends and Corporate Supporters. Most recently she was Director of Arts and Heritage at fundraising consultancy Philanthropy Company and clients included BAFTA, The Factory and Tara Arts. Kate's previous roles include the Development Director at Wilton’s Music Hall and Donmar Warehouse, with earlier periods at the Unicorn, Soho and Bush theatres, and Rambert Dance Company. Kate joined Theatres Trust in April 2018.

Contact Tom for advice on Planning and Listed Building Applications and Planning Policy.

Tom manages the statutory planning casework referred to the Trust for consultation by local authorities and advises on local and neighbourhood plans and national policy consultations. Tom studied for a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Westminster where he undertook unique research on how the planning system might better protect pubs from unnecessary loss. Tom previously worked at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where he led on key aspects of their new Local Plan and drove forward new policies promoting and protecting cultural venues and the arts.  Tom joined Theatres Trust in January 2018.

Contact Siân for information and guidance on working with Theatres at Risk or if you have queries about the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities project, particularly if you are a campaign group, building owner, or other stakeholder and want some advice about how to develop early plans to protect or restore your theatre.

Siân works full time at Theatres Trust split across two distinct roles. Firstly, she supports our Theatres at Risk work, focusing on early-stage evidence of project viability, organisational capacity and governance, and the development of business plans. She also oversees the delivery of our Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities scheme as the Programme Manager. Having originally worked as a solicitor she moved into arts management when working as Chief Operations Officer at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. She also worked for Wales Council for Voluntary Action focusing on supporting the resilience of the voluntary sector. Siân joined Theatres Trust in March 2023.

Contact Ruth if you need advice about a capital project or the effective operation of a theatre.

Ruth provides advice on the effective operation of theatres, including fundraising and viability, and manages our capital grant schemes. Ruth’s background is in theatre management. As Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand, Curve Leicester and Lighthouse Poole, she has experience of producing, touring and presenting theatre as well as new-build, refurbishment and heritage capital developments. In addition to her knowledge of theatre buildings and operations, Ruth is a licensed practitioner in Organisational Development and a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors. She studied English Literature at Sheffield University before co-founding her own professional theatre company, Splash, then working for Hull Truck, the Royal National Theatre, Bradford Theatres and as Head of Arts and Culture for Darlington Borough Council. Ruth joined the Theatres Trust in February 2024.

Contact Justine if you have a press or marketing enquiry or want to work with us to promote theatre, the arts or placemaking.

Justine leads on the Theatres Trust’s marketing and communications strategy, with responsibility for raising the organisation’s profile, increasing engagement with key stakeholders and developing the Theatres Trust’s communications channels. Justine has a background in marketing and communications in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including working at Amazon, UK Theatres (back when it was the Theatrical Management Association) and most recently at the National Housing Federation. She has also volunteered at various theatres including the Gate, Shakespeare’s Globe and Questors. Justine joined Theatres Trust in July 2018.

Contact Devina for information and queries about the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities project, particularly in relation to the training programme.

Devina works two days a week as Training Producer for Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities. She leads the delivery of the learning and knowledge sharing activity strand of the programme, including curating the content of the webinars and cohort training. Devina has extensive experience of working on contemporary arts commissions and pilot projects, including creative learning, professional development, socially responsive and site-specific projects aimed at nurturing creative potential or transformation. She has successfully produced or coordinated projects with partners, funders and commissioners including Manchester International Festival, BBC, British Council, Nesta, Esmée Fairbairn, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England. Devina joined Theatres Trust in November 2022.

Contact Sofia if you have a Friends or Corporate Supporters enquiry, would like to update your contact details, or would like to access our Library and Archive.

Sofia provides administrative support across all areas of the organisation including Theatres Trust’s operations and our Friends and Corporate Supporters scheme. She has previously worked in front of house, operational, fundraising and event coordination roles for LW Theatres, SANDEMANs New Europe and Up with People. She studied Arts Policy and Management at Birkbeck, University of London. Sofia joined Theatres Trust in January 2022.

Contact Laura if you have a press or marketing enquiry, or would like to contribute to Theatres Magazine.

Laura coordinates the communications, marketing materials and publications of the Trust, including editing Theatres Magazine and the NewsDigest. Laura previously worked for the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, within their marketing team. Laura joined Theatres Trust in January 2024.

Contact Peter if you wish to input into or discuss the Theatres Trust Theatres Database project which, in partnership with various theatre sector bodies, will be delivering a comprehensive database of all theatres across the UK.

Peter manages the development of the strategy, research, procurement and delivery for this exciting new project, working with a range of stakeholders and suppliers, and ensuring that the data required is initially captured, verified and then kept up to date. Peter has worked in a variety of roles in IT, latterly for twenty years as CEO of a leading UK data and document processing company working on projects in business, education, health and government. Peter joined Theatres Trust in August 2023.

Contact Ashish if you have any finance enquiries.

Ashish is responsible for managing the Theatres Trust and Theatres Trust Charitable Fund accounts. Ashish is a chartered accountant with 20+ years’ experience in the Finance field, including 9 years as Head of Finance in a well-known Charity in London. In addition to his accountancy skills, Ash is also an IBM Certified Software Engineer. Ashish joined Theatres Trust in December 2017.

Contact Laura if your enquiry is related to the operational and general management of the organisation.

Laura supports the overall work of Theatres Trust through effective organisational, operational, project, and event management. Laura has spent over 10 years working across a variety of business support roles – everything from key account management and credit control to developing company culture and recruitment strategy. Most recently, she was Operations Manager at Engineers Without Borders UK; running all of the operational functions of the charity. Laura studied Drama at the University of Lincoln, and her most memorable performance was on the stage at Frank Matcham's Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man in 2014. Laura joined Theatres Trust in August 2021.