Adam Pownall, Derby Theatre’s programme co-ordinator, has been given an award by the theatre committee of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain for encouraging new writing.
Pownall, who took up his programming role at Derby Theatre in August 2014, was nominated for the award while in his previous role of theatre co-ordinator at Create Theatre, Mansfield.
He was nominated by Nottingham playwright Nick Wood whose works include My Name is Stephen Luckwell, Birdboy and Can You Whistle, Johanna?.
Wood nominated Pownall due to his “passion and enthusiasm” for encouraging, championing and developing new writing.
Award-winning independent theatre company Fifth Word wrote a letter of support for Pownall’s nomination after he programmed it to perform two productions, Bones by Jane Upton and Amanda Whittington’s Amateur Girl at Create Theatre.
Adam Pownall said, “I’m immensely proud yet humbled even to be nominated for this award. I’m overjoyed that my hard work in supporting new writing has been accredited and noted within the industry.
"I’ll continue to support writers from the region and further afield to give them a voice within theatre, and I hope that the region continues to be an exceptional place for writers to learn their craft.
“The East Midlands has a rich variety of stories to tell about itself but these talented writers need connecting to opportunities. My passion for developing writers and theatre companies who support new writing will continue within my role as programme co-ordinator for Derby Theatre, where learning is at the heart of all strands of our work, as is supporting the next generation of artists including writers.”
Pownall will receive his award on Friday 28 November at an awards luncheon at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London.