Amy Bere to take over as chief executive at the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton

Amy Bere will take up the role on October 1, replacing the outgoing Vanessa Lefrancois at the Taunton venue.

The appointment has been revealed by the Taunton Theatre Association (TTA), which oversees the Brewhouse.

Amy is currently executive director for the arts at the Dartington Trust, where she leads the development and delivery of Dartington’s artistic strategy.

Among a wide range of responsibilities, Amy manages the performance programme, the internationally-renowned Dartington Music Summer School & Festival, Barn Cinema, Dartington Live series, as well as the Engage programme, which works with regional arts organisations and community practitioners.

READ MORE: Vanessa Lefrancois to step down as Brewhouse chief executive

The association said it was this experience that 'perfectly positions' Amy to bring fresh ideas and a new approach to The Brewhouse and its mission to bring great arts and culture to the South West through its live performance, cinema and community engagement programmes.

“I’m excited to be joining the staff, volunteers and trustees of the Brewhouse Theatre," Amy said.

"It’s an incredibly challenging time for artists, communities and organisations in the wake of global events, however, I look forward to supporting and developing resilience through cultural engagement in Taunton and Somerset, working with the creative community in the region and beyond."

LEAVING: Vanessa Lefrancois, who is moving on from The Brewhouse

Amy’s other career highlights include large-scale enrichment programmes with Opera North and Glyndebourne, as well as broad experience working with Leeds’ Caribbean and South Asian communities, alongside summer learning projects at Leeds Playhouse and Harrogate International Festival.

Val Hammond, chair of trustees of the TTA, said: “Amy brings a huge range of skills and practical experience to TTA and The Brewhouse at a challenging time for theatres everywhere.

"The trustees look forward to working with her as we move forward with our plans to further grow the work of our theatre and art centre and to making art and culture accessible to all in our community and the South West.”