OperaUpClose announces new Executive Producer
OperaUpClose is thrilled to announce the key appointment of a new Executive Producer, Morag Massey, who will be based at MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton, where OperaUpClose became a resident company earlier this year. This appointment will enhance OperaUpClose’s connections to the South West, with productions touring this region as well as across the UK, and will forge new relationships with local universities and schools as part of OperaUpClose’s outreach programme.
Morag was previously Executive Director at Bristol's Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory where she produced and toured numerous productions, including Henry V which opened in Bath Theatre Royal, Ustinov Studio and Othello, a co-production with English Touring Theatre. She has developed close working relationships with University of Bristol, securing two partnership productions, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, most recently working on site-specific performances with local primary schools. Prior to stf, Morag worked as Marketing Manager for Circomedia, researcher for BBC Radio 4 and as a freelance journalist and editor. She is a trustee of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
We are very excited to welcome Morag and to take this next step in OperaUpClose’s presence in the South West and growth as an organisation.
Artistic Director Robin Norton-Hale said ‘We're delighted to be welcoming Morag to OperaUpClose. She has a wealth of experience touring to theatres all round the country, which of course is crucial to OperaUpClose, as well as building partnerships within and outside the arts. She's also committed to bringing theatre and opera to everyone, no matter where they live, how old they are, or how much money they have - just like us! - and to developing career paths for people in the arts. She seems like a perfect fit for us and I'm so looking forward to working with her.’
Morag Massey said ‘I am overjoyed to join OperaUpClose at such a pivotal point as it establishes itself in its new Southampton base at MAST Mayflower Studios. OUC is award winning, dynamic and accessible, driven to explore new ways to develop its work and engage with wider audiences. Under Robin Norton-Hale’s astute artistic leadership, and through its creative and administrative teams, the company ensures excellence in all its work. I can’t wait to get started!’