Theatre and dance leadership programme launched in memory of producer Imogen Kinchin

A new leadership programme for theatre and dance professionals has been launched in memory of Imogen Kinchin, marking the second anniversary of her death on World Theatre Day.

The Imogen Kinchin Fellowship is a funded programme designed to support emerging cultural leaders and will run annually, beginning in September 2026. Each year, between six and eight participants will be selected, with no upper age limit.

The fellowship has been created by eight industry figures who worked closely with Kinchin during her career. The mentors are Emma Brünjes, Jo Danvers, Georgia Gatti, Glenn Graham, James Grieve, Nia Janis, Nicholai La Barrie and James Mackenzie-Blackman.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, the National Theatre, Playful Productions and Theatre Royal Plymouth, all organisations where Kinchin previously worked.

Participants will receive a £3,000 fund to support their involvement in the programme, alongside one-to-one mentoring and access to group events and networking opportunities. The pilot cohort aims to reflect the range of Kinchin’s career, including work across different regions, artforms and sectors such as young people’s theatre, fringe, commercial producing, subsidised theatre and dance.

Kinchin worked in theatre for more than two decades, beginning her career in Plymouth before moving to London, where she held roles at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, Act Productions and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. She was later executive director of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and served as a trustee of Theatre Royal Plymouth.

She was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2022 and died on 27 March 2024, aged 44. The fellowship is intended to continue her professional legacy by supporting future leaders within the industry.

Further information about the Imogen Kinchin Fellowship, including nomination details and donation options, is available online.