The University of Wolverhampton has appointed Neil Reading as venue manager of the Arena Theatre which is based on its campus.
He takes over from Kevin O’Sullivan who retired in April.
Reading has been promoter at the Arena Theatre’s sister venue, The Performance Hub, based on the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall campus, for the past 12 months.
Before securing the job at the Performance Hub, he was the student activities co-ordinator at the University of Wolverhampton for five years.
He has also worked for a number of other venues including The Moat House Hotel, Stafford and Rugeley Rose Theatre, and has toured work to Battersea Arts Centre, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and Bedlam Theatre, Edinburgh.
Reading said, “I’m looking forward to working with the team and our partners over the coming months to plan a terrific future for the two venues together as we continue to develop as a centre for emerging artists and innovative theatre.
“Through working across both venues, we’ll be able to provide audiences in the Black Country with top-quality theatre, dance, music and spoken word.”
Peter Robinson, principal lecturer and head of department for leisure and the Arena Theatre, added, “Neil brings a real passion and vision for the future to the Arena Theatre.
“I’m confident he will build on Kevin O’Sullivan’s 27-year legacy to ensure that in these difficult economic times for the arts the Arena and Performance Hub will both continue to thrive.”