Alan Ayckbourn: Frequently Asked Questions - The Stephen Joseph Theatre
	This page contains FAQs concerning Alan Ayckbourn and his association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre. If there is a question not listed here which you feel should be listed, please contact: simon.murgatroyd@sjt.uk.com.
	1) When did Alan become the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre? 2) What have been Alan’s roles at the Stephen Joseph Theatre? 3) When did Alan leave the Library Theatre? 4) How long did Alan work at the BBC? 5) When does Alan Ayckbourn step down as the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre?
	1) When did Alan become the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre?
	1972. This is generally misquoted as 1970 (or even 1969 or 1971) but the minutes of Scarborough Theatre Trust are quite clear he was asked to become the Director Of Productions for the Library Theatre in 1972 and later that year was offered the permanent position of Artistic Director of the theatre. The confusion possibly arises as he held the temporary position of Director Of Productions in both 1969 and 1970. For a full discussion of this subject, click here.
	2) What have been Alan’s roles at the Stephen Joseph Theatre?
	Alan has held a number of roles at the Stephen Joseph Theatre: 1957: Assistant Stage Manager 1957 – 1962: Actor 1959 – 1962: Writer in residence (alongside David Campton) 1961 – present: Director 1969 – 1970: Director of Productions (voted by the Trust each year) 1972 – 2009: Artistic Director
	3) When did Alan leave the Library Theatre?
	Alan left the Library Theatre in 1962 to help create the Victoria Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, alongside Peter Cheeseman (the project was instigated by Stephen Joseph). Alan became an Associate Director and directed and acted at the venue as well as premiering two of his own plays. In 1964, he left the Victoria Theatre to join the BBC as a radio drama producer. He returned to the Library Theatre as Director of Productions for two seasons in 1969 and 1970 before returning permanently to Scarborough in 1972 when he assumed the position of Artistic Director.
	4) How long did Alan work at the BBC?
	Alan joined the BBC in 1974 as a radio drama producer, based in Leeds. He stayed in the job until June 1970.
	5) When does Alan Ayckbourn step down as Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre?
	Alan Ayckbourn begins the process of stepping down as the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre in summer 2008 with the process coming to a close on 31 March 2009. At this point, Chris Monks will assume the position of Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre.