Derby Theatre has appointed Adam Pownall as its new programme co-ordinato,r who will be responsible for a diverse range of productions and events within the different spaces at Derby Theatre.
Pownall was previously co-ordinator at Create Theatre in Mansfield, a 150-seat facility based at West Nottinghamshire College. When he joined Create in 2012, his mission was to set up the venue as a commercial venture for the college as well as a learning resource for students.
He has worked as a freelance actor, director, dancer, teacher, technician and project co-ordinator, working with numerous venues and companies across the region.
Pownall said, “I feel very privileged to be joining the Derby Theatre team. What (artistic director) Sarah Brigham, (general manager) Gary Johnson and the organisation of committed staff are developing in Derby is very exciting, which has been reflected through their recent inclusion into the Arts Council England national portfolio.
“I’ll be programming both the main house, under Sarah’s artistic vision, and adding uniqueness to the current programme in the Studio theatre.
“I’m proud that my hard work in opening and developing Create Theatre and establishing it as a highly regarded destination for touring work has been recognised.
“I now have an exciting opportunity to develop my career and vision further in Derby. I look forward to offering the best in touring theatre to Derby audiences while enticing new, younger audiences to the theatre with a mix of fringe, emerging theatre and new writing.”
Sarah Brigham said, “Adam’s passion and drive to develop Create Theatre into a thriving touring venue which creatively and successfully links to West Nottinghamshire College as an invaluable learning resource demonstrates to us that he will be an ‘excellent fit’ for Derby Theatre and the ideal person to help us achieve our aims and goals as a learning theatre.”
Derby Theatre is owned and run by the University of Derby and has transformed from a traditional producing house to an organisation of "training, mentorship and artistic excellence".