The Belgrade appoints new senior leadership team

The Belgrade Theatre has announced the appointment of their new senior leadership team who will take up their posts in January 2022 in succession of outgoing executive director, Joanna Reid and chief executive and artistic director, Hamish Glen.

Laura Elliot has been appointed as chief executive, responsible for overall strategy and to run the commercial side of the Belgrade.

Corey Campbell - currently one of the three co-artistic directors of the Belgrade for Coventry 's year as City of Culture 2021 - has been appointed to the new post of Creative Director, focusing on the Theatre 's artistic output across both its professional and community areas.

The CEO and creative director will lead a restructured senior team of six which will lead on producing and programming, technical production, marketing, general management such as fundraising and income generation, financial management and commercial income and operations, such as catering and conferencing.

Laura Elliot brings significant senior management and leadership experience to the Belgrade; from her current role as Programme Director of Oxford Playhouse and previous role as Programme Manager at Warwick Arts Centre. A resident of Kenilworth for nearly a decade, she combines strong connections to the regional arts scene with a real passion for the importance of culture, particularly as part of Coventry 's UK City of Culture legacy.

Laura said: “I 'm delighted to be taking up the role of CEO, alongside Corey Campbell as Creative Director. The Belgrade Theatre has been my local producing theatre for nearly a decade. I 'm inspired by its deep rooted, nationally renowned commitment to community engagement, diversity, learning, talent development and high quality entertainment. I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on the Theatre 's plentiful past achievements, and propel it into an exciting, ambitious future. ”

Corey Campbell is artistic director of Strictly Arts Theatre Company, formerly supported by the Belgrade 's Springboard talent development programme. Through productions such as Green Leaves Fall and the critically acclaimed, Edinburgh sell-out show Freeman, Strictly Arts have used their collaborative, devising process to bring stories from real people to the stage, building long-lasting relationships with audiences through targeted workshop and outreach programmes, with a particular focus on African and Caribbean communities.

Corey Campbell said: “Let 's get it in, let 's get it done. ”

Arts Council England Area director, Peter Knott said: “We 're delighted to welcome Laura Elliot and Corey Campbell in their new roles and look forward to working with them. We 're sure that both their experience and expertise will benefit the Belgrade Theatre in the long term in an exciting time for creative venues in Coventry. We 'd also like to thank Joanna Reid and Hamish Glen for their fantastic work over the last 18 years, including their part in this year 's City of Culture programme. ”