Today, Capital Theatres launches the search for a new Chair of its Board as current Chair Professor Dame Joan Stringer steps down following a remarkable 13-year tenure.

Since her appointment in 2013, Joan has helped Scotland’s largest theatre charity navigate a period of exceptional growth and unprecedented challenges.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, said:

“Capital Theatres is truly privileged to have had Professor Dame Joan Stringer as its Chair for the last remarkable 13 years. She is the consummate professional, having brought so much to bear during her tenure as evidenced by the legacy she leaves – an organisation that is resilient, ambitious and a central cog in bringing the best of the performing arts across all scales to our wonderful capital city. 

Her leadership has seen us through the challenges of the pandemic, safeguarded a critical Edinburgh cultural landmark in the King’s Theatre and ensured that Capital Theatres continues to enrich the lives of thousands across the capital city and beyond. Joan’s commitment to our people, our audiences and our buildings has ensured that Capital Theatres not only thrives today but is ready to jump with confidence into our next exciting chapter. She leaves an astounding legacy and big shoes to fill, for which we will always be truly grateful.”

Joan guided Capital Theatres through the closure of its venues in 2020 due to the pandemic, and oversaw the organisation turn on a dime to maintain its connection digitally with audiences and creative engagement participants – in particular its dementia friendly programme, which supported vulnerable people around the globe during their isolation.

Capital Theatres has delivered record-breaking levels of programming and audience numbers across its three Edinburgh venues – Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre. In 2024-25, the organisation welcomed almost 400,000 audience members and presented 263 performances of 45 productions across its two operating venues. In 2023, Joan presided over the charity’s most successful year to date with the prize programming of both Hamilton and Mary Poppins.

Joan was instrumental in getting the King’s Theatre redevelopment off the ground to save this special venue. She played a key role in the development and introduction of Capital Theatres’ renewed strategy and business plan in 2024, setting out ambitious goals for programming, audience development, inclusivity and environmental sustainability. During her tenure, the organisation has strengthened its employment practices and workplace standards, earning recognition as a Real Living Wage Employer, a Young Person’s Guarantee Employer and one of the Top 10 Best Companies to Work For in Scotland.

Recruitment for the new Chair of Capital Theatres is now underway, with applications due to close on 25 March. Further information is available here link.