Leeds Heritage Theatres appoints four new trustees

Leeds Heritage Theatres is pleased to announce the four new trustees who will join the board are Anna Franks, freelance marketing and audience development consultant;

Dawn Holgate, choreographer and arts education (from August); practitioner Rebecca Morgan, fundraiser and currently senior philanthropy manager at King’s College London; Madi Robinson, controller of corporate legal & governance at Channel 4.

As a registered charity, Leeds Heritage Theatres is led by a board made up of volunteers who give their time and expertise to ensure that they fulfil their charitable purpose, provide strategic oversight to their vision and ensure the organisation is run legally and remains financially resilient. Board members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, both in the private and public sectors with each member bringing a skill set to benefit and progress our organisation.

Anna Franks brings an understanding of commercial business, alongside a passion to help organisations connect with their audiences and communities in an ethical and inclusive way.

Anna said: “Having been part of a charitable board several years ago, I was looking for an opportunity to join a new board and contribute my experience and skills. This felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for theatre, film and culture with my knowledge and experience of the cultural and creative sector, and I look forward to combining these two elements and contributing to the leadership of these iconic ve nues in Leeds.”

Dawn Holgate has a range of experience, including 10 years as the resident choreographer and movement director for Leeds Grand Youth Theatre, choreographing the company’s annual musical and leading on creative movement experiences for all company members. She will join the board in August following the Leeds Grand Youth Theatre production of The Addams Family.

Dawn said: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in! I see the potential for the arts to make a difference and to literally change people’s lives. Dance did that for me! I want to make a difference and being a trustee will ensure that I’m in the room and at the table, enabling me to be involved in purposeful and relevant discussions that will unlock access and provide opportunity.”

Rebecca Morgan is an experienced fundraiser, having held positions across the arts and higher education sectors. She is now senior philanthropy manager at King’s College London, where she works to secure philanthropic income from organisations and individuals to support the university’s work.

Rebecca said: “I strongly believe in the power of theatre and the performing arts to bring communities together and create connections between people of all ages. The work of Leeds Heritage Theatres is doing just that across Leeds and it’s a real privilege to be part of.”

Madi Robinson from Channel 4, leading the department carrying out all the non-programme-related legal work. She is also a member of the Channel 4 leadership team and is a Channel 4 appointed non-executive director on several joint venture companies, including Everyone TV and YouView.

Madi said: “It’s important that people across the whole of the UK should have access to brilliant and engaging live performances close to where they live. That’s why I wanted to join the team at Leeds Heritage Theatres. I love that while they put on the large productions, that’s not their key drive. The vision is all about making its venues and productions accessible to reach a wider and more diverse audience. Also, it’s not just about entertainment but also about education and using its charitable status for the greater good. It’s a vision I share and am passionate about.”