Nicolas Young
Freelance consultancy, project management, producing and programming
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the performing arts, I can help with business planning, producing, programming and project management and delivery,
Nicolas Young
Circus, dance, theatre,
arts management consultant
Over thirty-five years of experience in dance, circus and theatre. Half of those directing and programming arts centres and theatres. If I can help you, I will.
info@nicolasyoung.co.uk
My experience
Freelance since retiring from CIrcomedia. Clients in 2025 include Theatr Brycheiniog, Blackwood Miners' Institute, Operasonic, Ransack Dance and National Centre for Circus Arts
Chief Executive, Circomedia. (Academy for Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre). Eight years
Theatre Officer, Southern Arts Three years
Assistant Director, Cheshire Dance Three years
Theatre and Arts Director, Newport City Council (The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, The Big Splash festival). Eleven years
Administrator and Project Officer Arts Education for a Multicultural Society project. Three years
Chief Executive, Theatre Royal Winchester Three years.
Director, Portsmouth Arts Centre. Three years
Board Member, Creu Cymru. Development Agency for Theatres and Arts Centres in Wales. Seven years including four as chair
Editor, Dance Matters (National Dance Teachers Association, issues 13-31)
Current board member, and chair of Citrus Arts
How I Can Help You
Based on the experience outlined above, which extends from finance and marketing to producing large scale events - whether outdoor festivals or pantomimes attracting audiences of over 25,000 - I can advise and mentor or get stuck in and do it myself. Whichever works best for you, we can make it happen.
Project Management
I have been involved in a wide range of projects over the years, ranging from the initiation and delivery of Newport's cultural programme that hinged around the Ryder Cup to the snagging phases of building and refurbishment. My experience goes from structuring the initial ideas to the practicalities, from presenting proposals to councillors to driving the minibus.
Producing
Experienced in producing high-quality performances and events, handling all aspects including budgeting, assembling teams and ensuring delivery. This goes from short tours with a company of four to a large scale event such as Newport's Big Splash festival, for which I was responsible from 2010-2015 (and which continues to be an annual fixture to this day). I am happy to contribute from the initial idea to the hands on delivery.
Programming
Twenty-seven years experience of curating and programming diverse and engaging artistic content for theatres and arts centres. Most recently 35 contemporary circus shows a year at Circomedia. Before that 200 performances a year in Newport and 300 a year in Winchester. Mostly in spaces with between 90 and 500 seats, focused on dance, theatre and circus. I also have programmed classical and pop/rock music and quite a lot of stand-up comedy. I've managed to get to see work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year since 2000 apart from 2020 and 2021.
Consulting
Insights, advice and guidance derived from years of developing and writing plans and applications, and of working across different artforms, different locations and different governance structures. I have been chair of boards of directors, most notably at Creu Cymru, chief executive/director of four organisations, opening or re-opening two venues in those roles and more...
