Northern Stage has appointed Sian Alexander as Interim Executive Director. Northern Stage’s current Executive Director Kate Denby is leaving in mid-September to take up a new role at Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre.
Sian will be working part-time for Northern Stage with a focus on strategy, business planning and governance while continuing her work as an independent consultant for the arts sector. Sian brings with her a wealth of experience from previous roles as Executive Director and CEO at Lyric Hammersmith and the Bush Theatre. Sian has a long-term association with Julie’s Bicycle, a pioneering non-profit, mobilising the arts and culture to act on the climate, nature and justice crisis and is a former Arts CouncilHead of Theatre. In September Sian will spend time on a handover with outgoing Executive Director, Kate, before commencing the role fully in October.
Amy Fawdington, Northern Stage’s Director of Communications and Sales has been promoted to Interim Deputy Executive Director to support Sian and the Northern Stage team during this period of leadership transition. Amy will lead on much of the operational Executive Director activity, supporting the staff team and managing delivery.
Natalie Ibu, Artistic Director, and CEO at Northern Stage said: “Sian is a wonderful addition to the executive team at Northern Stage. Her broad skillset and the depth of her experience will be really valued by all of us here at Northern Stage and I am really looking forward to working more closely with her over the coming months.”
Details of recruitment for a permanent Executive Director role will be announced in Spring 2025.