Jumped Up Theatre welcomes new leadership team.

Jumped Up Theatre are delighted to announce the appointment of their new co-leadership team; Filiz Ozcan as Artistic Director and Simone Waller as Executive Director. Filiz and Simone will be supported by new Chair of Trustees, Siobán Whitney Low.

Filiz, as Artistic Director, will be responsible for creative leadership of Jumped Up, shaping the delivery of the artistic vision, programming live events and participation programmes, and providing support to local creatives and Peterborough’s cultural strategy. Simone, as Executive Director, will take the lead on organisational management, including financial and operational requirements. Together they will provide joint-strategic leadership, supported by the board of trustees.

Artistic Director Filiz Ozcan is a festival leader, creative producer and theatre director, experienced in Youth Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences, including roles as Creative Director at Lewisham Youth Theatre and Associate Director at Prime Theatre. She has also worked with organisations such as New Vic Theatre, Birmingham REP, Mercury Theatre, Pegasus Theatre, Jacksons Lane and Tara Theatre. Filiz is Joint Artistic Director of Komola Collective, an award-winning company championing female-led stories from diverse backgrounds.

“Our initial priorities this Autumn will be to grow our knowledge and relationships in Peterborough, and we are particularly keen to connect with local skilled professional and community leaders who might join Jumped Up as trustees, and organisations which also work with and for young people, children and families.” adds Filiz Ozcan, Artistic Director, Jumped Up Theatre

 

Executive Director Simone Waller has worked with organisations ranging from Lewisham Youth Theatre and We Do Creativity to National Youth Theatre and the Leeds Dance Partnership. A champion for grassroots creativity and national collaboration, mainly with a focus on young people and communities. She is excited to bring her experience into co-leadership at Jumped Up Theatre, supporting its next chapter of growth and impact.

“Filiz and I look forward to meeting local audiences, creatives and community partners at Jumped Up events through October and November.  We are all excited about joining the dynamic and purposeful Jumped Up team and taking the organisation and Peterborough forward.” says Simone Waller, Executive Director, Jumped Up Theatre

 

Founder CEO and Creative Producer of Jumped Up Theatre, Kate Hall, who announced her resignation earlier this year said:,

“I am thrilled to be handing over the leadership of Jumped Up Theatre to Filiz and Simone.  They both proved to be exceptional candidates during the recruitment process and they bring with them skills, knowledge and contacts which will be of great benefit to the team, the organisation and to Peterborough.   I am looking forward to working with them on a smooth transition and to the new future that they will build for Jumped Up”  

In addition to the new co-leadership appointment, Siobán Whitney Low took up the reins of Chair of the registered charity in September. Siobán has spent over 30 years championing the arts for young people and for social change as an experienced Arts Fundraiser. She has worked at Unicorn Theatre for Children and Wac Arts, is an Associate of The Reading Agency and chaired the Board of Theatre Peckham during the recruitment of their new AD/CEO. She is also an accredited Relational Dynamic Coach and a trustee of The Somerville.

Commenting on the appointments Siobán said:

“I am delighted to welcome both Filiz Ozcan and Simone Waller to Jumped Up Theatre.  Founder and Creative Producer, Kate Hall, leaves a powerful legacy and one I am looking forward to taking into the next chapter with the new co-leadership team. Many thanks to former Chair Mark Smedley, who was vital in supporting Jumped Up’s growth and transition into Arts Council England’s National Portfolio funding. My passion is for the power of the arts for young people and I am bowled over by Jumped Up Theatre’s approach to shaping a more inclusive future.” 

“Jumped Up Theatre are responsive to the needs of Peterborough to enable positive social change through their creative work, especially with children and young people.  They combine a regular programme of developing creative skills and work in Peterborough with high quality, exciting theatre and dance shows and workshops.  I am sure the Peterborough community and Jumped Up Theatres’ Trustees and team will support the new leadership to follow in the footsteps of Kate Hall, the founder of Jumped Up.”
adds Caroline Wallace - Relationship Manager (Engagement and Communities) Arts Council England.

If you are interested in meeting the leadership of Jumped Up and the board of trustees to discuss the organisation’s future plans, and how you can be involved, you are welcome to attend pre-show Welcome Drinks on Thursday 23 October. 6-7pm, ahead of Jumped Up’s hosting of Chalkline Theatre’s acclaimed The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return, which is touring into Peterborough College as part of the company’s programme of live, professional theatre for young people.