Sarah Shooter

Sarah Shooter

Head of Development, Theatre Royal Wakefield | Deputy Director, National Arts Fundraising School

Sarah is an experienced, award-winning fundraiser with over 20 years of expertise across multiple sectors, now specialising in the arts and culture.

As Head of Development at Theatre Royal Wakefield, she leads a small but dynamic team dedicated to raising the vital funds that enable the charity to support the wider community.

Theatre Royal Wakefield takes pride in its mission to make Wakefield a culturally vibrant and welcoming place. This small but mighty theatre is truly the jewel in Wakefield’s crown.

Sarah also serves as Deputy Director of the National Arts Fundraising School, where she leads on supporting smaller organisations. Her recent work includes consultancy and training for Creative Berwick and Arts, and Culture Lincoln, providing practical, tailored support to a wide range of arts organisations. Alongside this she has been coaching the international staff of MSI Reproductive Choices to be confident fundraisers.

In 2025, she was seconded to Blackpool Grand Theatre to establish a new fundraising strategy and advise on wider development initiatives. Alongside her fundraising expertise, Sarah is an accomplished project manager who has designed and delivered creative programmes to engage diverse audiences — work that has earned national recognition.

Sarah brings passion, creativity, and strategic insight to every role, championing the vital role of fundraising in sustaining and growing the cultural sector.