Mary Caws Profile
I have 30+ years experience as a senior leader in the performing arts. My background is in drama and dance touring, festival management, and as Executive Director of producing theatres across England. My career has included a number of consultancies and interim leadership roles.
I have a deep understanding of the performing arts, and a wealth of experience of the roles of both CEOs & Boards. I give pro-bono time to a range of companies and individuals, including currently as a Trustee of Tamasha Theatre Company.
I’m passionate about working to diversify the governance and leadership of the cultural sector. This means making recruitment processes accessible and transparent, and supporting the aspirations of potential candidates from a diverse range of experience and backgrounds.
My Career and Skills
Over the course of my career, I’ve developed consultancy skills in these areas which underpin my current work with clients:
Interim & Change Management
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Leading organisations through processes of change with sensitivity, supporting Artistic Directors and Boards, reviewing business plans and budgets, building staffing capacity, advising on organisational structure, and making major funding applications.
Strategic Planning
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Developing business plans which articulate a clear artistic vision underpinned by robust financial and organisational objectives.
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Creating a shared understanding of the social and political contexts of organisations and their communities.
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Developing & managing capital projects.
Governance
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Advocating for good governance, with considerable experience as both Company Secretary and as Trustee.
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Developing induction, recruitment and succession planning programmes.
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Facilitating Board away days and leading governance workshops and seminars.
Fundraising
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Producing fundraising strategies and action plans for individual donors, trusts & foundations, and corporate supporters and sponsors.
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Writing funding bids to Arts Council England, local authorities, and trusts.
Stakeholder Management
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Building effective working relationships with stakeholders, working to understand their priorities and how best to provide a match for their needs.
Career History
Independent Arts Manager & Consultant
2019 to date
Executive Director
Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol
2018/19
Mentor
Mercury Creatives
2019/2022
Interim Executive Director
Oldham Coliseum
2017/18
Interim CEO
Queens Theatre Hornchurch
2016/17
Executive Director
Theatre Royal Stratford East
2009 to 2016
Independent Arts Manager
2006/09
Executive Director
Watford Palace Theatre
Administrative Director
Young Vic Theatre
(maternity cover)
2001 to 2006
1999 to 2001
Administrative Director
The Dukes Playhouse
1997 to 1999
Administrative Director
Dance Umbrella
1991 to 1997
