Citizens Theatre appoints new Executive Director/Joint CEO

The Citizens Theatre is delighted to announce that Alex McGowan has been appointed as the new Executive Director to work alongside Artistic Director Dominic Hill as joint Chief Executive from 2019.

Alex has been Executive Director and joint Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh for the last eight years. During that time he has worked closely with Artistic Directors Mark Thomson, until 2015, and David Greig since 2016 to lead significant change in the company and support the expansion of the artistic programme.

Born in Scotland, but raised in South Africa, Alex has 25 years’ experience gained throughout the UK in theatres ranging from the Macrobert in Stirling and Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne to the Young Vic and Unicorn Theatres in London. From 2012-2018 Alex was Chair of the Federation of Scottish Theatres.

On announcing the news, Chair of the Board, April Chamberlain said:
"Alex’s skills and reputation as a leader in his field and his passion for theatre in Scotland will bring a wealth of experience to the role. I look forward to him guiding the Citizens Theatre into a new era alongside the artistic leadership of Dominic Hill as we look towards our new theatre building re-opening in 2020."

Artistic Director, Dominic Hill said:
"I am looking forward to working closely with Alex as Joint Chief Executive of the Citizens Theatre. We have co-produced shows with the Lyceum for many years and have a strong working relationship with what is often regarded as our sister theatre in Edinburgh. Alex’s time there and his previous experience outwith Scotland will bring the expertise and scale of ambition we need to continue to present world-class work in Glasgow and across Scotland."

Alex McGowan said:
"I am really looking forward to joining the Citizens Theatre at this vital stage in its history. The opportunity to join Dominic Hill and the team at the Citz and support a period of massive change and development for the company - including a major capital project which will secure the future of this iconic Scottish theatre - is a really exciting prospect. I’m hugely proud of everything we’ve achieved at The Lyceum over the last eight years and thrilled to continue having a leadership role in Scottish theatre, which is very close to my heart."

The announcement comes as the Citizens Theatre’s festive production of A Christmas Carol is in rehearsal and will open at Tramway on 4 December. This follows the critical success of Cyrano De Bergerac earlier in the year which was the company’s first production at Tramway while its Gorbals home undergoes a major Redevelopment.


ENDS

For more information please contact: Alison MacKinnon, Head of Marketing & Communications, Citizens Theatre
T: 0141 418 6235 | E: 
alison@citz.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Capital Project Summary

The Citizens Theatre’s Redevelopment Project will be the most comprehensive redevelopment of the Victorian building since it opened as a theatre in 1878. The Category B listed building has been home to the Citizens Theatre for more than 70 years. Over the next two years the company will present shows and projects at Tramway, Scotland Street School Museum and other venues throughout Scotland. 

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