Sheffield Theatres today announces the appointment of Jenna Omeltschenko as Learning and Participation Director of Sheffield Theatres. Joining the team in November, Jenna will lead the Learning and Participation team to develop and deliver exciting and bold community engagement and participation programmes, supporting projects such as Young Company, Launchpad and the Together work at Sheffield Theatres.

Jenna has worked in the arts sector for over 18 years, most recently as the Director of Down to Earth, the new Arts Council funded Creative People and Places organisation in Wigan. Previously, Jenna was the Head of National Partnerships at the National Theatre leading on national programmes for schools and young people, producing new work for teenagers touring into schools across the country and managing the audience development strategy as part of the Theatre Nations Partnerships project, as well as developing the National Theatre’s new Speak Up programme.

Upon her appointment, Jenna said:

"I am thrilled to be joining Sheffield Theatres as the Learning and Participation Director and continuing to build on the legacy of this much loved team.

The Crucible has long been one of my favourite theatre spaces in the UK, alongside the stunning Lyceum building and the brilliant programme in the Playhouse, it’s a privilege to be joining at this exciting time.

I cannot wait to get to know the city and the people of Sheffield, working with young people, communities, schools and teachers to invite them into our theatres and meet them in their spaces."