Martin Berry has been appointed to the new position of head of participation at Nottingham Playhouse.
The theatre’s participation department “aims to enrich a range of diverse and ever-growing accessible projects, which take place both at Nottingham Playhouse and in the local communities of Nottinghamshire”.
Berry said, “theatres, especially regional theatres, should be places where everybody matters. We have the power to create truly life-changing experiences and to give a voice to local and untold stories.
“I’m clear that the Playhouse must be accessible, positive and relevant to everyone in our wonderful city. No matter who you are and what your background is, you are welcome to come in, to talk to us and to take part in our work.
“I look forward very much to working with the brilliant Playhouse team, to meeting as many communities and local people as possible and to building new partnerships as Nottingham Playhouse enters the next stage of its ambitious artistic mission.”
Berry worked as a freelance practitioner, education consultant, project manager and director of theatre and radio for 15 years. Much of that time was spent in Nottingham, including five years as associate director for theatre projects at Nottingham Lakeside Arts. He was also associate director, working in outreach and participation, at Bristol Old Vic for two years.
His work includes artistic lead on the Nottingham segment of the 2012 Olympic Torch celebrations, founding theatre and education company Curriculum Arts and setting up an arts festival across Nottingham University’s UK, Malaysia and China campuses.
Playhouse chief executive Stephanie Sirr said, “embedding the work of Nottingham Playhouse into our communities is key to our vision and our charitable purpose. Martin’s really extensive experience and strong local connections make him the perfect person to drive and develop our participation work.”