Derby Theatre’s Sarah Brigham is to take on the role of chief executive as well as artistic director.
This will enable her to continue leading the organisation in developing its various strands of work including produced and presented theatre, its learning theatre programme and its relationship with the University of Derby which took over the theatre in 2009.
The theatre will now appoint an executive director with a specific focus on the commercial and business sector.
Sarah Brigham joined Derby Theatre in January 2013. Successes have included a large increase in the size of its audiences, being recognised on a local and national level for its unique partnership with the University of Derby and its learning theatre model, being awarded thousands of pounds of funding to support its learning theatre programme and starting In Good Company, a professional development programme for emerging artists.
Sarah Brigham said, “I'm delighted to be taking on this new role, a position which I will fully embrace and one which will allow the theatre to plan for a successful future, combining artistic excellence and business acumen at the top of the organisation.”
Deputy chief executive of the University of Derby and acting chair of the Derby Theatre board Hari Punchihewa added, “Sarah has achieved so much, including leading the theatre into being accepted into Arts Council England’s national portfolio.
“Sarah truly believes in the concept of a learning theatre and is very focussed on making it the best in the country. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and passion for Derby Theatre are always evident and tremendously inspirational. I’m confident she will continue to lead Derby Theatre to continued success.”