As Venue Manager, Darren leads the Waterside and Creative Industries Trafford teams, with strategic management and artistic direction. Darren also leads on the development of Trafford Council's trio of festivals:- Pride in Trafford, Refract and Prism. Having been the founding Operations Manager for Waterside, he re-joined the team in 2015.
Darren has worked for over two decades in the cultural sector, in management roles at The Lowry, Leeds Grand Theatre, the Palace Theatre and as Deputy Chief Executive of the charity Manchester Pride, alongside working with festivals across the UK in a freelance management capacity.
Darren is committed to showcasing artists who are often under-represented and nurturing creatives to reach their full potential.
Jemma has oversight for the day-to-day operations at Waterside, being the lead for operations, front of house, sales and artist logistics.
Jemma joined the Waterside team in 2010 and has since led transformational changes at the venue, including the redesign of auxiliary sales, artist logistics and ticketing services.
Emily joined Waterside in 2011 as Marketing Officer and has been working as the venue's Marketing Manager alongside job share partner Claire, since 2016.
With a strong passion and belief in culture for all, Emily leads on creating dynamic marketing campaigns that showcase the venue's diverse programming.
Emily has a background in co-ordinating and marketing touring theatre and TV drama productions.
Claire joined Emily as Marketing Manager in 2015. A seasoned marketing professional with a passion for the arts and heritage, Claire spearheads dynamic communications strategies, ensuring diverse audiences connect with Waterside’s vibrant programme.
With over two decades of experience in the cultural sector, Claire's previous work has included marketing for IWM North, Sadler’s Wells, The Lowry and Manchester Science Festival.
Richard has been leading Creative Industries Trafford since 2006.
He has initiated a wide range of projects and development opportunities for creatives, establishing the Northern Lights Writers Conference and Puppet Masters Animation Conference, along with mentoring and commissions for animators, curators, designer-makers, digital artists, theatre-makers and visual artists.
Working closely with the project archivist, Richard also oversees the development of the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive.
His background includes project management, artist mentoring and event planning work for the Design Initiative, Redeye Photography Network along with a range of freelance clients.
Gareth leads on all technical and production aspects of our venues theatres and events programme. Supported by a team of dedicated freelance technical staff, his team oversee the technical delivery of all activities in our performance spaces and festivals programme.
Louise manages the venue operations, facilities and our internal and external hires. Her team manage our performances and events, along with our internal finance processes.
Andrew is responsible for the programming and contracting of our commercial theatres programme, liaising with external promoters and introducing a varied programme of work to our audiences.