ian bruce
Cape Town
Summary
Innovative professional demonstrating strengths in creative direction and educational programming. Adapts to evolving demands through effective training design and performance evaluation. Committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that inspire and empower.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
New Africa Theatre Association
Cape Town
02.1997 - 11.2017
- Led institution's resource management and strategic direction, engaging with stakeholders to develop impactful initiatives.
- Developed successful strategies and policies, meeting organisational needs and implementing improvements.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships through regular communication, updates, and strategic meetings.
- Monitored operations to keep processes aligned with targets and matching forecasts.
Manager: Income Generation Projects
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Delivered presentations at Arbour Day celebrations and training programme launch, effectively communicating objectives and fostering participant involvement.
- Developed and produced training materials and presentation plays and videos for corporate and development sectors, enhancing engagement and knowledge transfer.
- Addressed key themes including Aids, conflict management, transformation management, customer care, and time management, contributing to informed discussions and awareness.
Coordinator: Robben Island Roadshow
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Coordinated and supervised actors to ensure cohesive performances and smooth production.
- Facilitated communication between departments, streamlining workflow and enhancing team collaboration.
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Produced play and video to engage audience and promote awareness.
- Responded to service requests through mail, email, phone, and in-person interactions.
Educator: Cultural Studies, Forum Theatre, Micro-enterprise
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Developed and implemented Cultural Studies, Forum Theatre, and small business skill courses aligned with NQF level five unit standards, enhancing learner engagement and practical skill acquisition.
- Kept students engaged and alert throughout lessons by creating educational and inspiring lesson plans
- Continuously monitored student progress through setting and marking regular coursework.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay abreast of educational trends and best practices.
Member of Management Committee
New Africa Theatre Association
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Managed daily operations of the organisation, ensuring efficient function and alignment with strategic goals.
- Successful development of quality assurance policies and procedures in compliance with NED requirements for registration as a Higher Education Provider.
- Secured resources through targeted fundraising efforts.
- Developed Theatre In Education projects addressing themes of entrepreneurship, child abuse, and environmental awareness.
- Developing and teaching courses in cultural studies, forum theatre and micro-enterprise.
Founding partner of Cape Town branch
Shoestring Productions
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Contributed to industrial theatre company, enhancing workplace training through drama to improve team dynamics and communication.
- Executed marketing strategies, wrote scripts, produced and performed training plays to enhance employee engagement and learning.
- Explored themes such as motivation, team management, labour relations, time management, and affirmative action.
- Presented on topics including company mergers, new products, and internal restructuring.
Field worker
Surplus Peoples Project (SPP), Group for Environmental Monitoring (GEM)
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Developed and delivered capacity building programmes to enhance community skills.
- Established a community-based organisation focused on sustainable capacity development.
- Engaged with local residents to identify and address community needs.
- I lived in the communities and capacity building involved an extensive use of theatre techniques.
Drama teacher
Salesian Institute for street children
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Created and directed performances addressing significant social issues to engage and educate audiences.
- Utilised drama to raise awareness of critical issues affecting street children.
- Managed auditions for school productions, ensuring fair casting based on talent and commitment.
- Motivated students to take on challenges through peer learning and experimentation.
- Planned fun extracurricular activities and projects.
Actor and Writer
Stichting Thekwini Theatre
Amsterdam
01.1983 - 01.1991
- Directed and performed in South African productions, showcasing original works and adaptations of writers like Athol Fugard and Breyten Breytenbach to highlight cultural narratives.
- Co-founded theatre group, contributing as actor and director to develop local talent and produce impactful performances.
- Created awareness of South African socio-political issues through theatrical performances and community engagement.
Core Committee Member
S A Cultural Community Centre (SACCC)
Holland
01.1983 - 01.1991
- Contributed to establishment of executive committee
- Coordinated and developed cultural activities for exiled South Africans in Holland, fostering community engagement.
- Organising cultural events involving artists, films and music from SA or other countries of exile.
- Acting as agents for SA cultural and educational NGOs requiring overseas funding.
- Liaised with Dutch Anti-apartheid Movement to represent South African exile community, strengthening advocacy efforts.
- Provided information and support to new exiles, facilitating their integration into the community.
Management, Actor, Director, Writer
English Speaking Theatre of Amsterdam (ESTA)
Amsterdam
01.1978 - 01.1986
- Acted, directed, and wrote for collaborative projects, enhancing artistic expression and audience engagement.
- Collaborated with directors and fellow actors to refine performances and achieve directorial vision.
- Prepared for performances through rehearsals and following director's guidance.
- Collaborated with a diverse group of performers from the English-speaking world to present a repertoire of English and American classics alongside South African plays for general audiences.
- Followed scripts when filming, skilfully improvising when required.
Drama Teacher
Johannesburg Children’s Home
Johannesburg
02.1973 - 10.1975
- Developed drama-based programmes for self-awareness and problem-solving, enhancing participants' personal growth and skills.
Company Member
The Company (now The Market Theatre)
Johannesburg
01.1974 - 01.1975
- Oversaw stage operations, facilitating seamless performances and enhancing audience experience.
- Operated lights and sound, supporting production requirements for optimal show delivery.
- Performed acting roles in productions, contributing to overall theatrical quality.
Live-in activities supervisor
Northampton Intermediate Treatment Centre for Juvenile Delinquents
01.1977
- Developed drama-based self-awareness and problem-solving programmes to enhance student engagement and personal development.
- Facilitated drama sessions to support pupils with learning difficulties, fostering their confidence and communication skills.
- Fostered a positive, inclusive environment, promoting teamwork and participant engagement.
- Coordinated student activities and boosted engagement by ensuring a safe, positive environment.
- Conducted risk assessments for each planned activity, minimising potential hazards.
Education
Small Business Diploma -
Damelin College
Cape Town01-2000
Creative Therapy -
St. Alban’s Collage of Art
England01-1977
Drama -
Ruth Oppenheim Academy
Johannesburg01-1975
Principles and practice of Psychodrama -
TARA Psychiatric Hospital
Johannesburg01-1975
BA - Literature
University of Witswatersrand
Johannesburg01-1974
Skills
- Expertise in erp systems
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Fundraising initiatives
- Project management
- Policy development
- Training design
- Performance evaluation
- Marketing strategy
- Community outreach
- Conflict resolution
- Creative direction
- Public relations
- Cultural awareness
- Educational programming
- Excellent work ethic
- Operational oversight
- Change leadership
- Industry partnership development
- Business administration
- Financial analysis
- Excellent time management skills
- Excel proficiency
- Team mentoring
- Brand management
- Integrity and ethics
- People-oriented
- Excellent communication skills
- Excels in team leadership
- Team leadership
Custom Section
SALLY, Johannesburg, 1974-01-01, FALLS THE SHADOW, Amsterdam, and Dutch tour, 1978-01-01, A HOUSE DIVIDED, Amsterdam and European tour, 1981-01-01, ODDS WITHOUT ENDS, Amsterdam, 1984-01-01, MY FATHER’S HOUSE, Amsterdam and Dutch Tour (Dutch Translation), 1987-01-01, THE GOOD HEART, Cape Town (Baxter), 1998-01-01, THE GIFT, Cape Town (ARTSCAPE), 2000-01-01, THE ISLAND AND THE APPLE BOX, National Tour for Robben Island Museum, 2001-01-01, 2008-01-01, GOOD RUBBISH, Cape Town (ARTSCAPE), 2002-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, Cape Town (Intimate Theatre), 2005-02-01, 2005-11-01, GROUNDSWELL, Johannesburg (Theatre On the Square), 2006-10-01, GROUNDSWELL, London (Oval Theatre), 2006-04-01, GROUNDSWELL, Stockholm, Sweden, 2007-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, New York, 2009-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, San Jose, 2010-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, San Diego, 2010-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, Miami, 2011-01-01, GROUNDSWELL, Boston, 2011-01-01, TRANSIT, Cape Town (New Africa Theatre), 2009-10-01, TRANSIT, Stockholm Royal Theatre, 2009-11-01, 2009-12-01, BURNT, Cape Town (new Africa Theatre), 2011-01-01, SPEAK OUT, Dramatised Child Abuse information, 1998-01-01, WOODSTOCK, Three pilot episodes for sitcom, for C-Films, 2000-01-01, MIRROR, MIRROR, Episode for local sitcom, SOS, 2000-01-01, THE HOPE AND THE LEGACY, Thirty minute documentary about Robben Island and the aims of the Museum Education Department, 2001-01-01, WHOSE FILE IS IT ANYWAY?, Dramatised treatment of Conflict Resolution principles for Momentum Employee Benefits, 2001-01-01, HIGH FIVE, Dramatised treatment of Customer Care principles for PEP Stores, 2001-01-01, STEP OUT, Presentation Video for New Africa Theatre Association, 2001-01-01, MAMBELE, Feature film about a couple who defied the Immorality Act, for GS Films, Amsterdam, 1990-01-01, CLANDESTINE, Short Film about an ex-SADF soldier trying to escape his traumatic memories by setting up a home on Swedish Island, 1991-01-01, KEPT IN MIND, 30 minute drama about an Afrikaner father who cannot come to terms with the loss of his son in the Angolan war, 1993-01-01
Training
- IEC Monitor training, Cape Town, 1994-01-01
- Strategic Planning, Kagiso Trust, Cape Town, 1994-01-01
- ECO-Tourism management, Satour, Cape Town, 1994-01-01
- Tourism Service, Satour, Springbok, 1995-01-01
- Conflict Resolution, National Parks Board, Richtersveld, 1995-01-01
- Time Management, Workplay Training, Cape Town, 1996-01-01
- Presentation Skills, Workplay Training, Johannesburg, 1996-01-01
- Team Building, Workplay Training, Cape Town, 1997-01-01
- Management and Leadership, Workplay Training, Johannesburg, 1997-01-01
- Child Abuse, RAPCAN, Cape Town, 1998-01-01
- Women Abuse, Nicro, Rape Crisis, 1998-01-01
- Understanding SAQA, NQF and OBE, NATA, Cape Town, 1999-01-01
- Anti Racism, CARAS TRUST, Cape Town, 1999-01-01
- Meeting Procedures, CARAS TRUST, 1999-01-01
- Non-Violent Communication; High Challenge, Low Threat teaching techniques, John Norman (British Drama Educator), 2000-01-01
- Introduction to the LRA, Small Business Centre, Cape Town, 2000-01-01
- Drama, Ruth Oppenheim Academy, Johannesburg, 1973-01-01, 1975-01-01
- Principles and practice of Psychodrama, TARA Psychiatric Hospital, Johannesburg, 1975-01-01
- Creative Therapy, St. Alban’s College of Art, England, 1977-01-01
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Dutch
Advanced
C1
Afrikaans
Upper Intermediate
B2
German
Elementary
A2
Certification
- [Area of certification] certified
- [Area of study] certified
Accomplishments
- Streamlined workflow by consolidating lengthy processes and redundant documentation which resulted in more effective and timely completion of [Action].
Timeline
Manager: Income Generation Projects
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
Coordinator: Robben Island Roadshow
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
Educator: Cultural Studies, Forum Theatre, Micro-enterprise
New Africa Theatre Association
01.2000 - 01.2003
Member of Management Committee
New Africa Theatre Association
01.1998 - 01.2000
Executive Director
New Africa Theatre Association
02.1997 - 11.2017
Founding partner of Cape Town branch
Shoestring Productions
01.1995 - 01.1998
Field worker
Surplus Peoples Project (SPP), Group for Environmental Monitoring (GEM)
01.1993 - 01.1995
Drama teacher
Salesian Institute for street children
01.1992 - 01.1993
Actor and Writer
Stichting Thekwini Theatre
01.1983 - 01.1991
Core Committee Member
S A Cultural Community Centre (SACCC)
01.1983 - 01.1991
Management, Actor, Director, Writer
English Speaking Theatre of Amsterdam (ESTA)
01.1978 - 01.1986
Live-in activities supervisor
Northampton Intermediate Treatment Centre for Juvenile Delinquents
01.1977
Company Member
The Company (now The Market Theatre)
01.1974 - 01.1975
Drama Teacher
Johannesburg Children’s Home
02.1973 - 10.1975
Small Business Diploma -
Damelin College
Creative Therapy -
St. Alban’s Collage of Art
Drama -
Ruth Oppenheim Academy
Principles and practice of Psychodrama -
TARA Psychiatric Hospital
BA - Literature
University of Witswatersrand