James Brining charts the career path that led him to the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Artistic Director, West Yorkshire Playhouse (2012 – present)
I have been in this post for 18 months and have just directed my first production as Artistic Director. West Yorkshire Playhouse (WYP) is an organisation of some scale and I love the opportunities presented by having two theatres to make work in and programme – and to develop work in other spaces in the building and further afield. I am excited about reinvigorating the theatre’s relationship with the city, including the artistic community here, as well as making an impression nationally. The potential here is huge and it feels like the start of a challenging but hopefully massively fulfilling journey.
Artistic Director/ Chief Executive, Dundee Rep (2003 – 2012)
As CEO I had overall responsibility not just for the artistic programme and the brilliant Ensemble company but also for Scottish Dance Theatre and the Creative Learning Team. As an artist, I was liberated by the creative freedom which having a permanent company gave me: as a leader of a complex organisation I developed very necessary management, political and communication skills. My time at Dundee was hugely important to me and I have great respect for the city as well as pride in the work we made there, and the principles underlying that work.
Artistic Director, TAG Theatre Company (1997 – 2003)
I moved to Glasgow just after Tony Blair became Prime Minister and Scotland was voting for devolution. It was a heady and exciting time and the remit that I developed at TAG was to create work with and for anyone under the age of 25, anywhere in Scotland. We went all over the country, as well as abroad, making shows, projects and connections with artists, teachers and young people. Making work for an audience of young people was a constantly stimulating process and, far from being a limitation, it provided an opportunity to focus and hone our work. Children and young people are often the most honest and open in their response and I loved the energy and ambition that working at TAG released.
Community Director, Orange Tree Theatre (1995 – 1997)
My work at the Orange Tree was largely with young people and schools, although I also directed studio shows and new writing. The Orange Tree, and especially Sam Walters, informed my theatrical values in ways that have lasted throughout my career. The centrality of the actor, the actor-audience relationship, and ‘less is more’ are all values which are embodied in the practice at the Orange Tree. I also met a number of directors who became life-long friends, colleagues and collaborators and these relationships have also been key to my development.
Artistic Director, Proteus Theatre Company (1990 – 1995)
At the tender age of 21 I was appointed as Artistic Director of a well-funded, established touring theatre company. I developed Proteus as a new writing company, making work on the rural circuit as well as in cities throughout the Southern region. I’m sure I made some huge mistakes, but away from the intense glare of London, I was able to learn from most of them without causing too much damage to myself or the audience. A brilliant opportunity and an extraordinary learning experience.
Artistic Director, Rendezvous Theatre Company (1989 – 1990)
After leaving University I did what many others did in the late 80s, I joined the Enterprise Allowance scheme. I set up my own touring company in Newcastle and had a fantastic 18 months doing everything from directing the shows, hanging lanterns, booking tours and occasionally having to go on stage. The experience of having to do everything was valuable, but it also taught me that surrounding yourself with talented, generous and dedicated people is perhaps the smartest thing you can do if you want to succeed.
James Brining is Artistic Director of West Yorkshire Playhouse, and has just directed his first production in post, ‘Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’.