Birmingham Royal Ballet appoints Simon Harper as Media & PR Manager

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET APPOINTS new MEDIA AND PR MANAGER

Birmingham Royal Ballet announces the appointment of Simon Harper as its new Media and Public Relations Manager.

Formerly the Company’s Press and PR Officer, Harper brings a wealth of experience in dance and public relations to the role of Media and PR Manager.

Born in Birmingham and trained in dance at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, he worked as a freelance dancer, including performances in West End productions of Chicago, Grease, Me and My Girl, 42nd Street and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

His career development follows press and public relation roles at Sadler’s Wells in London and Birmingham City Council’s Gallery 37 programme; a creative learning programme for young people.

In September 2009 he embarked on a two year, part-time MPhil research programme in Education Studies (Dance) at the University of Birmingham.

His appointment takes effect from Monday 9 November 2009.

Communications Director, Keith Longmore said “Simon has demonstrated a solid commitment to ensuring the highest level of service delivery within our Media and PR operation. His previous experience as a performer has given him a great insight into the workings of a major arts organisation. This, along with his skill and experience in the media field, made him an ideal candidate for this post. He shares the Company’s vision to see a higher profile for those arts organisation based outside of London and as a priority, will be working to ensure that Birmingham Royal Ballet becomes central to the national arts debate.”

Many congratulations to Simon on this well deserved appointment.