Burnley Bondholder- Burnley Youth Theatre has announced two key appointments. Artistic Director Karen Metcalfe will be joining the organisation on Queens Park Road, Burnley, by new chairman of trustees Anthony Preston and a new executive director, Leroy Philbrook. Karen said: “It is a really exciting time for Burnley Youth Theatre with these two new appointments.”
Leroy Philbrook is currently relationship manager theatre at at Arts Council England and will be coming to Burnley Youth Theatre to lead the finance and business development stratergy of the organisation. He has worked with some of the most reputable arts organisations in the country and will be looking to increase BYT’s profile on a national and international level. He said: “this is a fabulous opportunity to use my past experiences and my passion for theatre and helping young to support and develop a thriving theatre with young people at it’s heart. As one of the only purpose-built youth theatres in the country, BYT has a lot to offer young people from Burnley, Lancashire and beyond.”
Anthony Preston has a long history with Bunley Youth Theatre, having attended as a child and his family were intrumental in turning BYT into a thriving, professional organisation. Previously a senior manager at Arts Council England he is now in the cultural sector.
Anthony said: “Burnley Youth Theatre has been the launch pad for many young people who have gone on to exciting jobs across the globe in the arts. It was instrumental in my own choice to pursue a professional career in the arts. I hope to bring my 30 years of experience and contracts to ensure the organisation continues to thrive in the future.