Katie Town appointed as Interim Chair of the Theatres Trust

News Desk: The Secretary of State for DCMS has appointed Katie Town as the Interim Chair of the Theatres Trust from 01 January 2022 to 31 March 2022 or until a substantive Chair is appointed, whichever is sooner. This interim appoint has been made whilst the appointment process for a substantive Chair is concluded.

Katie Town is Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, a Grade II* listed Frank Matcham theatre in West Yorkshire. She has led the theatre since the end of 2015, taking the organisation through a process of rapid creative and organisational change, including building and opening a new extension and safely navigating the organisation through the Coronavirus pandemic keeping learning and community participation projects going throughout. Katie previously worked as General Manager for the National Theatre’s Learning Department. Originally qualifying as a non-practising barrister, Katie decided a career in the arts seemed much more interesting, initially working in the Business Affairs team at the Royal Opera House and then in a number smaller arts organisations, including Candoco Dance Company.

This interim appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Chair of the Theatres Trust is not remunerated. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Katie Town has not declared any activity.