From Press Release (02.05.19)
GSC’s CO-FOUNDERS ANNOUNCED AS IOD LONDON & SOUTH DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS FINALIST
Visit www.iodawards.com/london-south for all finalists. Winners revealed on 20 June 2019
Today, Guildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) two Co-Founders and Actor-Managers, Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches, have been shortlisted for the Inclusivity Category for the 2019 IoD London & South Director of the Year Awards. GSC are a professional theatre company and arts education organisation, based in Guildford, Surrey.
Over the last 13 years GSC has grown to become one of the largest producers of theatre in the county. In the last year their education and outreach projects have engaged with some 5000 people, young and old, and in particular those from less privileged backgrounds.
Sarah Gobran, said: “In a climate where there is so much uncertainty it has never been more important for the arts and theatre to lead the way in providing hope and cohesion for our society. The more opportunities that we create, the more we learn, and the tapestry of our community becomes richer, brighter and fuller, and everyone benefits. We’re incredibly proud to be short-listed in this important category.”
The charity has worked to champion inclusivity in their casting and employment opportunities. Despite the fact that Shakespeare is the main output of their work, and only 13% of the canon is represented by women, GSC have continually operated a 50/50 gender balance. The theatre company have also created a year-long Trainee Assistant Director/Producer apprenticeship for an emerging artist with Epilepsy, nurtured the aspirations of a 15-year-old who had been excluded from school due to anxiety, and continue to provide volunteer opportunities for homeless people to help with rehabilitation. This month the company started their new mental health project to encourage families to communicate through drama.
The finalists were chosen from the hundreds of directors that entered or were nominated across nine different categories.
The expert judging panel will now convene to decide the overall winners to be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 20 June 2019 at the iconic 116 Pall Mall, the home of the Institute of Directors.
Mary Nightingale, newsreader and television presenter will host the ceremony alongside the wonderful Roger Tilling, best known as The Voice of University Challenge.
David Stringer-Lamarre, IoD London Chair said: David Stringer-Lamarre, IoD London Chair said: “After a year of BREXIT ups and downs for business, it’s inspiring to see so many UK directors leading the way in good governance, leadership & business performance.
Visit www.iodawards.com/london-south for a full list of finalists and details on how to attend the event.
The winners from each of the thirteen categories will be automatically entered into the UK finals of the IoD Director of the Year Awards, providing the finalists with additional exposure and profile on a national stage as the ‘best of the best’ in British business.
The 2019 IoD Director of the Year Awards will take place at The Brewery, London, on the 18 October. For further details visit www.iodawards.com
