Staff

Jon is responsible for leading the work of the Trust, and the development and delivery of the Trust's strategy. With a wealth of experience across the theatre and arts industry, Jon joined us from the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) where he had been Director since 2008. Jon's previous roles include Director of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Executive Producer of Contact Theatre, Manchester and General Manager of TAG, Glasgow with earlier periods at Royal Conservatoire Scotland and Orchard Theatre, Kent. Jon joined Theatres Trust in January 2017.

Contact Claire if you require design and architectural advice for theatres or for information and guidance on working with theatres at risk.

Claire manages our Theatres at Risk work, advises on theatre-related capital redevelopments, and is responsible for the delivery of the Trust’s Advisory Review. Claire studied architecture at the University of Sheffield and has worked for renowned practices including Panter Hudspith Architects, Burrell Foley Fischer LLP, and Bennetts Associates. Claire has experience working on new build and refurbishment projects, both within the arts sector and on heritage buildings, including projects for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Hall in Harrogate. Claire joined Theatres Trust in June 2015.

Contact Gayle if you would like to support the valuable work that the Theatres Trust does in theatres across the UK.

Gayle is responsible for raising funds from trusts and foundations, public funders, individuals and corporates as well as managing our wonderful Patrons, Friends and Corporate Supporters. She was previously Deputy Director of the theatre access and education charity Go Live Theatre Projects and prior to that was a fundraiser in various London subsidised theatres including The National Theatre and Sadler’s Wells. Gayle joined Theatres Trust in September 2024.

Contact Tom for advice on Planning and Listed Building Applications and Planning Policy.

Tom manages the statutory planning casework referred to the Trust for consultation by local authorities and advises on local and neighbourhood plans and national policy consultations. Tom studied for a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Westminster where he undertook unique research on how the planning system might better protect pubs from unnecessary loss. Tom previously worked at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where he led on key aspects of their new Local Plan and drove forward new policies promoting and protecting cultural venues and the arts.  Tom joined Theatres Trust in January 2018.

Contact Emily if you have a Friends or Corporate Supporters enquiry, would like to update your contact details, or would like to access our Library and Archive.

Emily provides administrative support across all areas of the organisation including Theatres Trust’s operations and our Friends and Corporate Supporters scheme.  Emily has worked with several organisations across the creative sector. Beginning as a theatre Duty Manager, she proceeded to work with production companies and drama schools where her focus was on creating a strong future for the industry. Emily joined Theatres Trust in June 2024.

Contact Siân for information and guidance on working with Theatres at Risk or if you have queries about the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities project, particularly if you are a campaign group, building owner, or other stakeholder and want some advice about how to develop early plans to protect or restore your theatre.

Siân works full time at Theatres Trust split across two distinct roles. Firstly, she supports our Theatres at Risk work, focusing on early-stage evidence of project viability, organisational capacity and governance, and the development of business plans. She also oversees the delivery of our Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities scheme as the Programme Manager. Having originally worked as a solicitor she moved into arts management when working as Chief Operations Officer at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. She also worked for Wales Council for Voluntary Action focusing on supporting the resilience of the voluntary sector. Siân joined Theatres Trust in March 2023.

Contact Justine if you have a press or marketing enquiry or want to work with us to promote theatre, the arts or placemaking.

Justine leads on the Theatres Trust’s communications and marketing strategy, with responsibility for raising the organisation’s profile, increasing engagement with key stakeholders and developing the Theatres Trust’s communications channels. Justine has a background in marketing and communications in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including working at Amazon, UK Theatres (back when it was the Theatrical Management Association) and most recently at the National Housing Federation. She has also volunteered at various theatres including the Gate, Shakespeare’s Globe and Questors. Justine joined Theatres Trust in July 2018.

Contact Devina for information and queries about the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities project, particularly in relation to the training programme.

Devina works two days a week and manages the delivery of the learning and knowledge sharing activity strand of the programme, and curates the overall content of webinars and training of annual cohorts. Devina has extensive experience of working on contemporary arts commissions and pilot projects, from creative learning, professional development and site-specific to socially responsive projects aimed at nurturing creative potential or societal transformation. She has successfully managed and produced projects with partners, funders and commissioners including Manchester International Festival, BBC, British Council, Nesta, Esmée Fairbairn, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England. Devina joined Theatres Trust in November 2022.

Contact Rebecca if you are in need of advice or funding for a capital project, or are interested in applying to our grant schemes.

Rebecca provides advice around the effective operation of theatres, including fundraising and viability. She has a background in theatre management and leadership. She previously worked as Theatres Adviser at Theatres Trust, before leaving to work as a consultant, specialising in business planning, early stage feasibility studies and conference organisation. She is also currently editor of Sightline, the journal of record of the Association of British Theatre Technicians.

Contact Laura if you have a press or marketing enquiry, or would like to contribute to Theatres Magazine.

Laura coordinates the communications, marketing materials and publications of the Trust, including editing Theatres Magazine and the NewsDigest. Laura previously worked for the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, within their marketing team. Laura joined Theatres Trust in January 2024.

Contact Ashish if you have any finance enquiries.

Ashish is responsible for managing the Theatres Trust and Theatres Trust Charitable Fund accounts. Ashish is a chartered accountant with 20+ years’ experience in the Finance field, including 9 years as Head of Finance in a well-known Charity in London. In addition to his accountancy skills, Ash is also an IBM Certified Software Engineer. Ashish joined Theatres Trust in December 2017.

Contact Rachael if your enquiry is related to the operational and general management of the organisation.

Rachael supports the overall work of Theatres Trust through effective organisational, operational, project, and event management.  Rachael joined Theatres Trust in October 2024.