Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre has announced the appointment of Sean Crowley and Simon Harris as Associate Directors of the company. Both will offer advisory, artistic and creative support to the Board of Management as well as contributing as theatre practitioners.
Sean Crowley is a highly distinguished scenographer and Head of Drama at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has been the Torch Theatre’s principal designer for over sixteen years, designing thirty six productions including many which have gone on to win awards. Sean will continue designing for the company but will also help the theatre to develop a programme to encourage young design talent from within Wales.
Simon Harris is an award-winning director and dramatist, who is a current recipient of a Creative Wales Award from the Arts Council of Wales. His professional relationship with the Torch dates back over many years and features several highly successful visiting productions. He is the former Artistic Director of Sgript Cymru, as well as a graduate Fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme. Simon will work alongside Artistic Director Peter Doran in order to enhance and develop the artistic programme. It is anticipated that Simon will also direct future productions for the company.
Artistic Director, Peter Doran commented, “I’m very excited by these appointments; I’ve worked with both Sean and Simon very closely for a number of years, and I am full of admiration for their skill as theatre practitioners. I feel honoured that they’ve agreed to play a more prominent role in nurturing and developing the artistic potential of the Torch.”
Sean Crowley was very pleased to accept the role of Associate Director saying “I have great fondness for the Torch, indeed it has allowed me to develop my craft over sixteen years; it is the perfect place for young designers to develop. I hope we can give the next generation of designers in Wales an opportunity that is not so readily available for them in this very competitive industry.”
Simon Harris commented “I am delighted to become an Associate of The Torch, which has a very special relationship with its audiences and one of the loveliest stages in Wales. Working under Peter’s inspirational leadership, I am very excited about the future of the theatre and the opportunity to play a role in its artistic development. Sean and I started out together in our late teens as members of the same youth theatre – as a consequence, both of us share with Peter a commitment to seeing creative talents in Wales given the opportunity to truly prosper and grow.”
