Dan Whitehouse is to join Derby Theatre in the new role of creative producer, focusing on supporting and strengthening the performing arts sector in the community.
In July 2019 the theatre was one of only two organisations to be selected for Arts Council England funding and was awarded £1.5 million over three years to become a producing hub.
Derby Theatre will use the funding to create new work with audiences and communities at its heart. Whitehouse will work on a programme of work in community settings across the city; produce new, small-scale productions that will tour into these hubs and beyond; produce new mid-scale work which will play on the Derby Theatre main stage; and produce new outdoor work which will be seen at festivals across the city.
Whitehouse is the first person to be appointed with a specific focus on the scheme and will lead the project on behalf of the Derby Creative Arts Network (Derby CAN).
His previous work includes developing a talent development initiative at the Manchester International Festival during 2017 and more than six years as the next generation producer at mac Birmingham where he built and developed a programme for young people and emerging artists.
Whitehouse said, “the role has come at the perfect time for me in my career and it’ll be a fantastic opportunity to work with a plethora of amazing organisations across Derby and beyond.”
Derby Theatre’s chief executive and artistic director Sarah Brigham added, “I'm delighted to welcome Dan to lead this project on behalf of the Derby Creative Arts Network.
“This is an exciting project which we hope will transform the way we make theatre in Derby. I'm certain Dan will be an excellent addition to the team.”
Whitehouse will take up his new role on Wednesday 9 October.