HighTide director heads to National Theatre

HighTide, the writer-centred theatre company based in the East of England, has announced that CLARE SLATER will step down as artistic director and CEO later this year to take up the role of head of play development at the National Theatre.

Slater has overseen a period of transformation during her tenure, redefining HighTide’s mission to focus on regional playwrights. Her programming has seen audiences increase by 150%.

Her other initiatives include creating Playwrights East – a network for playwrights to develop their craft and connect across the region – and the setting up of HighTide Writer’s Group, supporting early career playwrights with leading industry mentors.

Alongside associate artist ZOË SVENDSEN, Slater has embedded climate dramaturgy at the heart of the company’s practice, helping to effect industry-wide change.

Slater said: “I have loved every moment of my time at HighTide. I couldn’t be prouder of how the company now champions East of England playwrights… I look forward to announcing my final season shortly – and tracking HighTide’s success long into the future.”

Chair ALAN BOOKBINDER commented: “I’m very grateful to Clare for her vision, drive and dedication. It’s greatly to her credit that HighTide is flourishing creatively and prospering financially, providing a firm foundation for her successor to build on and take forward to fresh success.”

The process to recruit a successor to lead the company is underway.