Go Live Theatre Projects appoints Sita McIntosh as new Chief Executive
Susan Whiddington CBE, who joined the charity as its Director 27 years ago, stepped down in July.
Sita McIntosh, will take up the mantle as Chief Executive of Go Live Theatre Projects in the Autumn, succeeding Susan Whiddington CBE, who steps down as Director after 27 years.
Sita currently runs Inclusive Audiences, an initiative she set up over two years ago working with producers, venues and agencies to increase and improve audience inclusion in theatres. She previously ran WhatsOnStage for 7 years and she chairs the Curve Theatre in Leicester and the Kiln Theatre in London and was a trustee of HOME in Manchester. Sita has spent over 35 years in the theatre industry with stints at SEE Tickets, Ticketmaster and Stoll Moss Theatres.
Outgoing Chief Executive, Susan Whiddington reflected: “It’s been an adventurous and hugely rewarding journey and I’m always humbled to realise we’ve touched nearly 250,000 young lives! As pioneers in audience access, theatre education and young leadership development, highlights are many. We hosted the first West End relaxed performance, initiated the Go Live theatre club for young people, support a very active Youth Forum, launched our signature family theatregoing programme 25 years ago and continue to offer innovative drama-based education projects schools and communities across London, and create trailblazing projects for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
“This would only have been possible with colleagues, past and present, whose commitment and creativity have been pivotal in changing the lives of so many young people, enabling them to learn new skills, giving them a positive outlook and a sense of life’s possibilities. I’m delighted to welcome someone of Sita’s experience, and in collaboration with our fantastic staff team, look forward to their strengthening the charity’s inspirational work with young people and families and broadening the charity’s reach. Go Live will always be dear to my heart and I wish it every future success.”
Charles Prideaux, Chair of Go Live Theatre Projects, said: “On behalf of both the Go Live board and all those young people who have benefited from, we are hugely grateful for all that Susan Whiddington has achieved, for which was rightly recognised when she received an Olivier award earlier this year. We remain ever appreciative of all the funding support we receive from both trusts and foundations as well as individuals to continue the charity’s important work. We are now excited to welcome Sita to lead the charity such that its impact and reach can expand ever further.