The Yard Theatre Announces New Executive Director

The Yard Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Sam Hansford. Starting at the end of April he will take over from The Yard's first Executive Director Lucy Oliver-Harrison after five years in the role.

Sam comes to The Yard after more than four years at Soho Theatre, where he has helped deliver a number of key strategic growth projects including the development and launch of a digital production and distribution arm, and plans to bring the Grade II* listed former Granada in Walthamstow back into use as a fully-restored 1000 seat venue for entertainment and community use.

Sam will lead The Yard as it embarks on the next four years as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. This will see the theatre grow its reputation as a venue for ground-breaking new work, further develop its vital role in Hackney Wick and secure a sustainable long-term future.

Incoming Executive Director Sam Hansford, "In the 6 and a half years since The Yard Theatre opened it has gained national significance as a producer of outstanding new theatre, alongside providing a home for exceptional artists and reaching new audiences through its local and music and events programmes. I couldn't be more excited to join Jay and the team in the next chapter for this brilliant organisation."

Artistic Director Jay Miller, "Sam is such an exciting appointment for us. He has a wealth of experience from Soho Theatre and at this really important juncture in the organisation's development he has so many new and brilliant ideas that I am really excited to develop with him. I can't wait to get started."

London Area Director of Arts Council England Joyce Wilson, "The Arts Council is delighted that Sam has been appointed as Executive Director. Lucy has steered The Yard really well through its early years, and we know that Sam will bring new knowledge and experience to The Yard as it embarks on its next incarnation as a National Portfolio Organisation. We look forward to working closely with Sam and The Yard, and wish them great success together in this next phase."

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