Boundless Theatre has appointed the first of its young co-leaders in a scheme offering a job share with its existing Executive Director and Artistic Director and CEO.
LAMESHA RUDDOCK has been named Co-Executive Director while JORDI M. CARTER will become Co-Artistic Director and CEO.
The theatre says the appointments of Ruddock and Carter, who are both under the age of 25, is part of a “big shake-up of its leadership structure and programme of work”.
For the next six months, Ruddock and Carter will have an equal share of responsibilities and decision-making authority, while receiving leadership training and support from the theatre.
After their tenures, a further two co-leaders will be appointed to job share with Boundless’ Artistic Director & CEO and Executive Director.
“I truly hope that by working in this way we can start new conversations about leadership in the arts, how we support young adults into work and how we innovate to ensure the success of our industry,” Co-Artistic Director and CEO ROB DRUMMER commented.
Ruddock is a producer, stage manager, and historian. In her production company, Blemme Fatale Productions, she produces theatre and events aiming to promote active engagement with Black British history. She has also produced at Battersea Arts Centre and Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Carter is a South London performer, creative director, artist-educator, and producer interested in Afrocentricity, racial and social justice, and radical Black cultural expression across theatre, film, and performance. He is a Fellow at Royal Society of Arts, and former Young Vic Associate and Theatre Peckham Young Producers alumnus.
“The routes into theatre leadership roles have always been very narrow and I’m so inspired by Boundless for creating this alternative path to senior leadership,” Ruddock said.
“The work of this company in galvanizing young adults and holding space for them to be bold in sharing what they have to say about the world today has inspired me as an artist for a long time,” Carter added.