We are delighted to share that after six years’ leadership of the Orange Tree Theatre, initially as Executive Director with Paul Miller, and more recently also as Joint CEO with Tom Littler, Hanna Streeter has been appointed Executive Director and Joint CEO of Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Following the appointment of Lisa Spirling as the new Artistic Director at TRSE, this is an exciting move for Hanna, stepping up to lead a large organisation with a great history.
Hanna will be stepping down at the end of June 2025, and the OT will soon begin the search for a new Executive Director and Joint CEO to take on this pivotal role. This will be an exciting opportunity to join the Orange Tree Theatre at a time of strong financial health, a sell-out programme, and significant fundraising momentum for our capital development project.
Writing today, Hanna says:
“The Orange Tree is the most special of theatres and I’m unbelievably proud of everything we’ve collectively achieved since I joined in 2019.
From post-NPO challenges and a global pandemic, to a change in artistic director and seismic growth. It’s been an incredible journey, with our success owed to the incredible staff and trustees, and so many brilliant artists, participants, supporters, and audiences. A true team effort.
To have become the OT’s Executive Director 30 years after sitting in the auditorium to watch Primary Shakespeare has been a dream come true. I am, of course, sad to be leaving, though as we look to the future with such momentum behind the capital project, I know that the OT under Tom’s leadership will continue to thrive.”
The OT’s Artistic Director and Joint CEO Tom Littler writes:
“Hanna has been an outstanding Executive Director of the Orange Tree for the past six years. She has navigated the theatre fearlessly and skilfully.
I have hugely enjoyed working with her since my appointment in the spring of 2022, and I know that over the next six months she will go out on a high – not least in gearing up for our transformational capital project in 2026.
She will be enormously missed, but now is a great moment for her to pass the baton. She leaves the Orange Tree enormously enhanced and enriched, and the team at Theatre Royal Stratford East are very lucky to get to work with her.”
Judy Gibbons, Chair of Trustees at the OT writes:
“Hanna has been a transformative force at the Orange Tree Theatre. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating challenges and opportunities with unwavering determination, strategic insight, and a deep passion for theatre. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including strengthening the theatre’s financial and strategic foundations and laying the groundwork for our ambitious capital project, which will transform the Orange Tree for future generations.
On behalf of the board and everyone a the OT, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hanna for her very significant contributions. While her departure will undoubtedly leave big shoes to fill, we are thrilled for her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter at Theatre Royal Stratford East. We have no doubt that she will bring the same brilliance and dedication to her new role as she has to this.”
More information about applications to join the OT as our new Executive Director will follow in due course.
