The Team

Steve Johnstone

Co-Artistic Director

Speak to me about BCT’s productions, projects and partnerships across all of the company’s work.

Day to day, I look after the finances and support other members of the team with their delivery of our various projects. I also develop and direct the production work of the company, with Frances.

I’ve been working with BCT for over 20 years, as well as pursuing a freelance career in that time. Most of my work as a theatre director has been about creating work which grows from communities and yet expresses something of the experience of us all – we tell each other our stories to learn more about ourselves.

Matt Andrews

Development Director

Speak to me about the impact we have on Black Country communities, and how you can support our work.

I’m responsible for fundraising and developing our programme and projects to maximise their impact, profile and income. I also support the Co-Artistic Directors with the organisation’s strategy, business planning and partnerships.

I grew up in Walsall and I’ve worked in the arts for over 10 years. I’m passionate about more people in the region being able to experience the benefits the arts provide. Like many people working in the arts, I’ve taken on a variety of roles from marketing and communications to project management and producing my own projects. I’m also Co-Director of Ampersand Projects CIC, an arts and community organisation.

Corinne Morris

General Manager

Speak to me about anything to do with Black Country Touring.

I run the BCT office and support the BCT team with projects, productions and any office tomfoolery.

I have a great enjoyment of the arts and media, be it dance, film, theatre and music. BCT have showcased various artforms within a region that it not widely known for its appreciation of performing arts. I have mainly worked within education, healthcare and hospitality, so working with BCT was a lovely change that I was happy to take a leap towards.

Natalie Kidman

Promoter Manager

Speak to me about how to bring a professional theatre or dance show into your local venue, e.g. community centre, library or school.

I support all our promoters from ages 7 – 70+ throughout their journey of choosing and promoting an event, from choosing a show right through to greeting their audience on the night of their event.

I’ve been part of the lovely BCT team since 2006 as well as being a performer having travelled all over the globe. I have always enjoyed both being part of and seeing performances of many kinds, but the friendly atmosphere you get in a local venue coupled with a high quality show is hard to beat. I also get to work with many young people with our Young Promoters scheme. Seeing their excitement and self belief grow as they organise their own event is something I’ll never tire of seeing.

Sampira Al-Fihri

Creative Producer

Speak to me about BCT’s projects and productions.

I work with Frances and Steve to develop and deliver BCT’s creative projects and productions.

In my own independent practice, I am a producer, curator and writer in the horror genre.

Amrit Kaur Juss

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Speak to me about any marketing requests.

My job is to coordinate and manage BCT’s marketing, communications and digital projects. I take care of our website and social media, and find new ways to reach our audiences and raise the profile of BCT and our work.

I’m passionate about creativity, culture, community building and collective wellbeing, and so I’m thrilled to be working for an organisation with a mission and values that align so closely to my own.

Donna Clarkson

Community Programme Coordinator

Speak to me about our performance menu or about bringing professional theatre or dance to your community venue.

My role within BCT is to support promoters and venues to programme high quality theatre and dance into their spaces. I want community venues to explore what theatre and dance can offer and to also foster a sense of community and empathy through the medium of the arts.

I started my BCT journey as a work experience placement. I loved the work so much that I came back as an apprentice, and I am now a full-time member of the team. It's thanks to BCT that I've grown to have a real deep love for the arts and an even deeper love for how communities can use the arts to come together.

Olivia James

Community Cinema Coordinator (Freelance)

Speak to me about showing films in your community.

My job is to help people who want to show films in their community or who already are and want to look at ways of diversifying their programming and/or audience.

I have always been curious about the world and the people in it. My career started in independent film and video production, particularly in sound recording and design. A lover of cinema, comedy, music, different cultures and discovering new places (both on the doorstep and further afield), I hope to change the world, one film at a time.