From October, Sarah Horner, currently Head of Marketing and Communications for BBC National Orchestra of Wales, will take the helm at Hijinx.
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During her 12 years at BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, Sarah has been influential in driving audience development and engagement activity, increasing awareness of the orchestra’s work in Wales and internationally; including ambitious projects linked to tours in South America, China and Europe. Most recently she has led a programme of activity to celebrate the orchestra’s 90th anniversary, and brought innovative new platforms to their work, including the introduction of live streamed concerts and VR experiences.
Sarah said: “I am delighted to be joining Hijinx at such a pivotal and exciting time. I have long been an admirer of Hijinx’s remarkable, bold and dynamic programme of work and feel honoured to have the opportunity to support the company for its next chapter.
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“I’m looking forward to working with the actors, staff and trustees on an ambitious future.”
Following a successful year of multiple award wins, including The Stage’s International Award, Hijinx will be premiering Mission Control, a large scale collaboration with National Theatre Wales, in November.
The company, who cast learning disabled and/or neurodivergent actors in all of its productions, has also toured global hit Meet Fred around the world for the last three years, and premiered Into The Light, an inclusive, international physical theatre co-production with Frantic Assembly, in February.
Hijinx Chair Mike Clark said: “After an extraordinary six years of growth led by our departing CEO Clare Williams, we wish to continue increasing our presence in Wales, the U.K and beyond.
“We’ve enjoyed tremendous success over the past few years and would like to thank Clare for the transformative role she has played in our recent triumphs. She has been an incredibly inspiring and innovative leader and we are sure she will continue to make a difference as a freelance consultant.
“We believe Sarah is the perfect person to lead the company in its exciting next phase. Hijinx will undoubtedly flourish with Sarah working alongside Artistic Director Ben Pettitt-Wade, as it continues to produce outstanding art with learning disabled and/or autistic actors, on stage, on screen, in businesses, in communities around Wales, and internationally.”
Hijinx is part of the revenue funded portfolio of the Arts Council of Wales.
