Jake Orr Joins Theatre503 as Producer

South London's Theatre503 have announced that freelance producer and programmer Jake Orr is to join its team as Producer. The former theatre blogger will take up the post on 3rd July.

In 2009 Jake founded A Younger Theatre, an organisation that supports and nurtures young people through journalism training. It has since supported over 500 young writers and partnered with organisations including the Guardian, Royal Opera House, The Globe and the English National Opera. In 2014 Jake co-founded Incoming Festival with New Diorama Theatre, a festival that supports emerging theatre companies. To date the festival has presented the work of over 100 companies to 4000 audiences.

Jake is co-director of producing company Making Room working with artists across the UK. As Associate Producer his credits include The Bombing of the Grand Hotel (Cockpit Theatre and Tour), Mouse Plague (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, BAC and Tour) and The Eradication of Schizophrenia in Western Lapland (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, BAC and Tour). Jake also co-curates Dialogue with Maddy Costa and produces Dialogue Festival. He was a freelance marketer before moving into producing and is a trustee of Boundless Theatre. Jake was nominated as Best Producer in the 2014 Off West End Awards.

Speaking about the appointment, artistic director Lisa Spirling said, "We are absolutely thrilled to have Jake join the team at an exciting time in 503's development. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, as well as a passion and commitment to supporting emerging artists and companies, who play such a major role in the life of our venue."

Jake Orr said "Having been a long admirer of Theatre503 I'm thrilled to be joining as their new Producer alongside Artistic Director Lisa Spirling and Executive Director Andrew Shepherd. Theatre503 is a beacon of excellence and hope for new writing, supporting the next generation of writers, directors and production companies. At a time when venues are questioning their roles in the changing landscape of funding, diversity and privilege, Theatre503 continually punches above its weight and offers important questions for its audiences and collaborators."

Theatre503 is passionately committed to providing a launchpad for new writers and supporting the companies that make this work happen to ensure the highest quality on its stage. In the last 18 months 169 new writers have had their work performed there, with 3 West End Transfers and 2 national tours. 1629 scripts were submitted from 52 countries for the theatre's international playwriting award.

@theatre503 | #theatre503 | theatre503.com

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