Artistic Directors of the Future
Dedicated to creating change at leadership level in mainstream theatre
New Writing, Contemporary plays and a re-imagining of the classics all provide a template to produce thought provoking and innovative work. As artists we have the platform to respond to the socio-political climate and explore, for example, issues causing the polarisation of our society. Reflections and representations are powerful tools that can heal and create a sense of belonging.
Jessica Brewster is the Director of the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury and is the founding Chair of the Tewkesbury Cultural Consortium. Prior to this Jessica was Artistic Director and co-founder of Theatre Deli and a Producer / Director in Factual Television including The Great British Bake Off (BBC) and My Last Summer (C4).
Matthew Xia was appointed Artistic Director of Actors Touring Company in November 2018. Matthew is one of the busiest and most exciting directors in the UK. He is a former Associate Artistic Director of Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; Director in Residence at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse; Associate Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East. He is currently an Associate Artist at Nottingham Playhouse.
Mary Caws has a leadership track record as Executive Director of Dance Umbrella, The Dukes, Watford Palace Theatre, and Theatre Royal Stratford East. She has also been interim/fixed term ED/CEO at the Young Vic, Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Oldham Coliseum, Tobacco Factory Theatres, and Oxford Playhouse. At Watford, she managed a successful £8m capital refurbishment, and during her time at Stratford East secured a major corporate hire during the 2012 Olympics. Mary is also a mentor.