New Theatre Royal announces the departure of its artistic director and CEO, Caroline Sharman after 8 years at the helm.
Caroline has led an exceptional team through a multi-million pound capital project from inception to its completion – from fundraising, developing the ideas to project managing and brokering new partnerships through its first year of activity.
Judith Smyth, Chair of New Theatre Royal Trustees commented, “Caroline has made a major contribution to secure the future of our theatre and we are all very grateful for her leadership through some very challenging years. She will be missed.”
Caroline’s international experience directing shows on heritage sites in Syria, Mexico and Greece for the British Council to devising and creating new plays, pantomimes and operas in Glyndebourne, The Minerva and Theatre Chipping Norton provided her with the knowledge and determination to help drive the project.
Caroline Sharman commented, “Thank you all who have supported and worked with me. It has been an amazing adventure. I hope I leave a wonderful legacy – a creative home where many more extraordinary adventures are yet to happen.”
During her tenure at NTR her passion to provide an inclusive platform for local artists was visible in her initiating an Associate Artists scheme which has blossomed into the Creative Lab and has encouraged the Creative Learning team to work with local artists to explore and challenge issues head on.
On October 15 2015, the historic theatre re-opened its doors with a new stage, fly-tower and backstage area, a new creative studio space, a refreshed auditorium and improved accessibility to the heritage theatre through the partnership with University of Portsmouth.
“We will be recruiting a new CEO but meanwhile Sheena Hume, Director of Operations will be stepping up to caretaker the role, with the support of the current team. We are confident that the theatre will continue to go from strength to strength, welcoming exciting and adventurous shows that challenge perceptions. We have a beautiful building and a strong programme of great performances to look forward to,” says Judith Smyth
Sheena’s extensive management expertise and in-depth knowledge of the theatre industry will provide her with the experience to continue the theatre’s drive to success, having managed a variety of theatres including Dominion Theatre, London as well as Britain’s largest theatre Hammersmith Apollo in London.