KAREN METCALFE, CEO and Artistic Director of Burnley Youth Theatre (BYT), is stepping down in August to pursue a freelance career in arts strategy and fundraising.
Metcalfe has been at the theatre for 15 years. She has led the team there for the past decade.
During her time at BYT Metcalfe has directed and produced Christmas shows, Edinburgh Fringe productions and touring theatre pieces, including The Only One in the World, which tackled child sexual exploitation and grooming.
In 2023 she led a year-long programme to celebrate BYT's 50th anniversary, while also overseeing major capital development work at the theatre.
In a statement, BYT said: "Karen’s commitment and passion for BYT will have a lasting legacy through her impact on the lives of thousands of children and young people with whom she has worked, as both participants and the next generation of arts professionals.
"She will be truly missed by the entire BYT family."
BYT will begin its search for a new Artistic Director/CEO in April.