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New Work Needs New Leadership: What We Can Learn from Across the Pond


new inclusive theatre leadership

What does inclusive theatre leadership look like in action?


And how do we build spaces that champion new voices, even when the funding isn’t there?



In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Carewe, Executive Director of Theatre503 in London and longtime champion of debut playwrights and emerging artists. Together, we explore what it means to lead with care, create transformational opportunities, and stay committed to inclusion even when the budget says “no.”


And we’ve got an exciting announcement to share:


Inclusive Stages is heading to London! This fall, we’re partnering with Theatre503 for our very first international residency. A space for early career artists and arts leaders to grow their skills in emotionally intelligent, inclusive leadership. We discuss what that means, why it matters, and how this collaboration came to fruition.


This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the current realities of UK theatre funding, the barriers early career artists face, and the tough questions arts leaders everywhere are asking:

How do we stay true to our mission in a system built to reward the familiar?

How do we make new work… work?


Emily shares what it takes to lead a nonprofit theatre that supports unheard voices, her personal journey from backstage crash mats to producing new plays, and why she believes small theatres are the best place to model change.


This is about more than producing plays. It’s about leadership that listens, programs that take real risks, and collaboration across borders to build a better future for our industry.


In this episode, we talk about:

  • The role of inclusive theatre leadership in today’s funding climate

  • What it really takes to support debut playwrights

  • How Theatre503 uses rapid-response programming to nurture new voices

  • Why second opportunities are often harder than firsts

  • The quiet harm of surface-level inclusion efforts

  • How small theatres can lead big culture shifts

  • Why trust, transparency, and accessibility matter more than perfection

  • Our upcoming Inclusive Stages residency in London—and why it’s so needed right now


If you care about the future of theatre, the well-being of your artists, and the real work of inclusion beyond statements and checkboxes, this one’s for you.


We’re not just trading stories.

We’re building bridges.


Thanks for listening, and for being part of this movement.


new inclusive theatre leadership

More about Emily Carewe

Emily is a multidisciplinary theatre maker, producer, festival director, and artist who trained at Lambda and the Royal Academy of Music. She's the founder of the Lambda Mishmash Festival, executive director of Cardiff-based theater company FIO, and formerly the creative executive producer at production company 45 North. Across her work, Emily is dedicated to giving a platform to people who are often unheard, championing new perspectives, fresh voices, and authentic inclusivity.


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Thanks for joining me on this episode of Inclusive Stages! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help me reach even more theater makers, theater artists, and theater lovers who want to make our industry a better place for everyone.


Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.


More about the Inclusive STAGES Podcast


Inclusive STAGES™ Building Healthy Arts Spaces is the podcast for theater makers, creatives, and arts leaders who believe we can build a better industry—one brave, emotionally intelligent, and trauma-informed space at a time. Hosted by Kira Troilo, founder of Art & Soul Consulting, each episode explores what it really takes to create inclusive, healthy creative environments in today’s rapidly changing performing arts landscape.


Whether you're a theater artist, an arts administrator, an educator, a creative leader, or a producer, this show will help you answer big questions like:


What is inclusive leadership in the arts, and how do I practice it?


How can performing arts organizations promote diversity and inclusion?


What does “representation matters” mean in theater and beyond?


How can venues make performances more accessible?


What tools do I need to lead with care—and still make bold, brilliant work?


Through honest conversations, industry insights, and practical tools, Inclusive STAGES™ empowers you to reduce burnout, dismantle harmful norms, and build the kinds of creative spaces where everyone can thrive.


New episodes every week. Follow now and join the movement toward healthier, more sustainable arts spaces. 

 
 
 

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