The Crucible is now part of Dan Bates' new domain
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Sheffield Theatres Board Announces New CEO

Today the Board of Sheffield Theatres has announced the appointment of Dan Bates as the new Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres. Starting in September, Dan Bates’s appointment is part of a new surge of direction for the theatre company working at the heart of busy Sheffield.

Dan Bates comes to the position at an important stage of redevelopment for Sheffield Theatres, the second phase of a £15.3 million refurbishment of the Crucible theatre. The work on the Crucible is scheduled to be completed in November, two months after Bates’ assumption of the chief executive post.

Speaking of what a privilege it was to gain the role, Bates said:

“I feel incredibly honoured to take up this role and am looking forward to completing the building project and ensuring we offer Sheffield fantastic theatre in brilliant refurbished facilities and return a vibrant producing theatre in the cultural heart of the city.”

Bringing to his new theatre in residence a wealth of experience, the Board has no doubt that Dan Bates will be an asset to Sheffield Theatres. Chair of the Board Dominic Shellard was confident about the new appointee’s ability to steer Sheffield Theatres in the right direction:

“Dan’s credentials as a successful leader and producer are exemplary, and we are lucky to have secured his services for Sheffield. At a time of significant rebirth for the company, with the opening of the newly refurbished Crucible scheduled for later this year, Dan’s vision and energy will be essential in leading the company”.

Dan Bates’ previous roles include that of Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal since January 2005, where he supported the award winning production of The Railway Children, and prior to that, in his progression through the ranks at West Yorkshire Playhouse, he held a wide range positions, from Stage Manager in 1987, to his final role as Executive Director.

He takes over from Interim Chief Executive Donna Munday, who has been at the helm since April of this year. Bates’ appointment is part of an influx of new faces at Sheffield, in the wake of the recent addition of Daniel Evans as Artistic Director. The new appointments are set to bring a surge of fresh energy into the company’s operations.

Commenting on Dan Bates’ impending assumption of responsibility at Sheffield Theatres, Daniel Evans spoke with enthusiasm:

"I’m thrilled about Dan’s appointment. I feel that Dan’s ideas of the kind of theatres he’d like to run closely echo my own. I feel very excited and confident that he’ll lead the organisation into one of the most exciting periods of the theatres’ history.”

It seems that with this new positioning, the two Danny boys are set to shake up Sheffield in high theatrical style.

- Vicky Ellis

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