Kerry has worked in all areas of professional theatre for 16 years. This has ranged from a performer, writer and director, to venue management, researcher and producing. She has her own theatre company, Theatre Unknown that recently performed in central London.

Kerry is the director of research and projects for Performance Initiative Network. The network is a knowledge transfer organisation based at Brunel University and is dedicated to the promotion, development and support of companies within the independent theatre sector. She undertakes a continuous mapping and evaluation of key relationships within the theatre and the wider creative industries. On the basis of this research a range of strategic programmes have been developed to assist theatre companies and their work. The range of initiatives involves new models of production in theatre, merging enterprise, business within theatre practice that innovate and enhance the industry.

This role is underpinned by her own research, an analysis and evaluation of the creative industries within the British economy, with specific reference to the performing arts; its innovation, risk, enterprise and sustainability and its relationship to theatre practice, and she is currently writing her thesis: Commodifying Performance: An investigation into current strategies in relation to UK Industry Enterprise with specific reference to their impact on innovation and regeneration in contemporary theatre practices.

Email: Kerry.Irvine AT brunel.ac.uk