Ruth Standley

TACT FOUNDER

Ruth is one of the original TACT founders, who developed and led The Arts Centre Telford between 2010 and 2024. Ruth’s creative mind and business savvy led to the creation of TACT as a leading arts organisation. She is extremely proud of the hundreds of performers who have passed through TACT’s doors.

Although Ruth has now stepped down as an owner of The Arts Centre Telford, she will be supporting in a variety of roles, as well as remaining a cheerleader for the success of all the TACT community. Ruth is particularly passionate about TACT’s contribution to festivals and she will be ensuring that TACT competitors remain creatively and perfectly costumed!

Ruth has produced musicals, plays and concerts over the last twenty years. Ruth is an experienced Production Manager and has led teams to produce stunning productions for Shropshire audiences. Over the past fourteen years, Ruth held responsibility for the leadership of the TACT costume and wardrobe department, and excelled when given the creative challenging of bringing productions to life.

Although Ruth does prefer to be sat firmly behind the production table, she is herself an accomplished performer and singer. In the 2024 production of Sondheim’s ‘Into The Woods’, Ruth appeared as the Granny, despite being nowhere near old enough to hold the role - a testament to her acting skill!

Ruth is an experienced businesswoman and has over 25 years experience in business leadership and consultancy. Ruth has previously been a local Councillor and is a former Chair of Governors for Lawley Primary School in Telford. Ruth has extensive expertise in childcare and work with young people and has been recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ provider of childcare by OfSTED. Having previously held a number of roles in the NHS, including as a Support Services Manager, Ruth returned in a PA role to continue to support Patient Access in our local hospitals.

Ruth has owned several extremely successful businesses, including out of hours childcare provision for schools, Telford’s Musical Theatre Academy, and her proudest achievement (other than her children!) - The Arts Centre Telford.