Ryan Calais Cameron, a playwright and screenwriter, has taken on the role at the venue where he began his career through the Starting Blocks artist development scheme.
The playwright, who founded his company, Nouveau Riche, is best known for his Olivier Award-nominated play For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavywhich enjoyed two sold-out West End runs. His connection to Camden People’s Theatre is longstanding.
He developed his first play at the venue during the Starting Blocks scheme, and launched Nouveau Riche through the programme.
Mr Calais Cameron said: “Camden People’s Theatre was one of the first places that gave me real space to experiment. Not just to put work on, but to try things, to fail, to rethink, and to grow.
“Starting Blocks was a pivotal moment for me – it gave me time, support and belief at a stage when those things matter most.
“The journey that began there has taken my work to bigger stages and different audiences, but it started in a small studio with people who were willing to invest in an idea before anyone else knew what it could become.”
The theatre is currently preparing to showcase new works from this year’s Starting Blocks artists on March 28 and 29. It will also launch its Spring 2026 season from April 7 to May 23, featuring a diverse line up of new theatre, comedy, storytelling and works-in-progress.
Kaya Stanley-Money, executive director and joint CEO of Camden People’s Theatre, said: “Ryan’s journey with Camden People’s Theatre is exactly why we do what we do.
“Our programming strategy and artist development schemes, particularly Starting Blocks, exist to give artists the time, space and confidence to take creative risks at a point in their careers when that support can make all the difference.”
As Patron, Cameron will support CPT’s artist development work, act as an advocate for the organisation across the industry, and host public and stakeholder events throughout the year.
