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Raeesa Rajmohamed Retires as Chair of Board of Trustees
“Now that the theatre is enjoying the success for which so many people worked so hard, I feel able to step back and give that same energy to my own life and career. It feels right to now cheer everyone on from a different vantage point.”
After an incredible tenure of nearly three years, Raeesa Rajmohamed announced her departure as our Chair of the Board of Trustees following the BIT’s slew of financial accomplishments, referencing Nelson Henderson’s paraphrase of Rabindranath Tagore, “‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” As we say goodbye, it seems the perfect time to reflect on her tenure and highlight the impact and contributions she has made during a time of change and challenge for everyone at the Bristol Improv Theatre.
Raeesa’s love of performing arts dates back to her teenage years, when she worked behind the scenes in extracurricular theatre in Canada, before progressing to the stage after learning improv. The skills she learned and honed through the art led to opportunities in public speaking, debating and mock trials, and later proved invaluable as she pursued her profession in law, university lecturing and eventually to the Bar. Skills she has applied willingly and with alacrity to her role and passion for the Bristol Improv Theatre.
Raeesa first joined the Bristol Improv Theatre when nominated to join the Board of Directors in February 2023, becoming the first non-British/Irish board member and the first person of colour to join the board. Just six months after her appointment, she was unanimously elected as Chair, and later became the first Chair of the BIT in its new charity status (obtained in March 2024), setting precedents that align with our charity values of inclusion and diversity: Raeesa is the youngest Chair, a Muslim and a South African/Canadian immigrant, also representing ethnic minority and queer communities.
“I immediately immersed myself in the community; I attended every show possible and held back to meet the wonderful people of our theatre. I heard stories of how improv helped someone overcome their bereavement, brought a shy person out of their shell, offered acceptance when shunned, built confidence following devastation and brought hope and inspiration. The diversity struck me. Improv has historically been a ‘boys’ club,’ yet here was this wonderful place that broke that stereotype and removed those barriers to entry to provide these offerings to anyone and everyone. I knew it was where I had to be.”
Raeesa eagerly applied her professional and legal knowledge, spending her early months as Chair of the Board reviewing processes and procedures. In assimilating a clear financial understanding, she reviewed the organisation’s charity status application and became the Safe Space Trustee (the first of its kind). As Chair, she applied her characteristic drive and expertise to critical and essential areas of operation and governance, which have been integral to the BIT’s continued existence: holding others accountable and creating the structural processes that ensured the theatre’s survival. Trustee, and now newly appointed Interim-Chair, Shaun Dewfall, sums this up well.
“I can say with the utmost certainty that without Raeesa’s drive, leadership, expertise, and laser focus on priorities and direction, the Bristol Improv Theatre would not be in the strong and flourishing position it is in today.
During a period where the theatre’s resolve was tested, Raeesa swiftly and with confidence, stepped into an active operational leadership role supporting colleagues, refreshing the direction of the theatre and ensuring that the theatre had what it needed to succeed. Raeesa was, and continues to be, a robust and principled advocate for the theatre’s mission, its service delivery and its place within the Bristol community.
Due to Raeesa’s commitment and tenacity during one of the most difficult times and existential uncertainties the theatre has ever experienced, the theatre is now in the strongest position it has ever known. The entire community owes her our biggest thanks, for keeping the interests of theatre at the forefront, sustaining its spirit, and ensuring that the Bristol Improv Theatre not only survived but is thriving.” Shaun Dewfall, Interim Chair of Trustees
Raeesa’s dedication and commitment to the Bristol Improv Theatre have been consistent throughout her tenure, from her first board meeting in April 2023, through her role as Chair from 2024, to her resignation in December 2025. Facing challenges and in some cases, as Shaun described and reaffirmed by others, “At personal cost, courageously standing alone, solely championing the path less travelled in the face of adversity and hostility, and as would be revealed, always rightfully doing so for the betterment and survival at the BIT,” Raeesa continuously navigated what was necessary in pursuit of the purpose, integrity and ultimately the survival of the charity.
When asked about her approach to the role, Raeesa says, “The Bristol Improv Theatre was beautifully born from creatives who held a strong love and passion for the art of improvisation, of course, not entrepreneurs or businessmen. From that passion, it grew into a safe space of inclusivity, diversity and opportunity. For the arts to survive, we then need structural pillars and business acumen to achieve both survivability and sustainability. I sought to fill those two gaps, whilst ensuring we met our (legal) obligations, and preserved a safe space for our community, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, creed, nationality, socio-economic background and more.“
This sentiment of organisational transition was echoed by the co-founder of the Bristol Improv Theatre, Stephen Clements:
“From the founding of the theatre, we had an excess of passion and creativity, but a real dearth of expertise in the field. We were, somewhat appropriately, making it up as we went along. For me, Raeesa joining our board and her tenure as chair has marked a real turning point for the organisation on its journey from precarious origins to its more secure position today at the centre of a thriving creative community.” Stephen Clements, Co-Founder, BIT
With that in mind, Raeesa endeavoured to achieve financial security. “I strove to fill the gaps,” Raeesa adds. “I sought to create clear processes and, when necessary and requested, stepped into management activities. I made myself as available as possible to the theatre and the team.”
By all accounts, she did exactly that. If overseas, Raeesa would wake up at 4 am to lead theatre meetings; earlier this year, following advocacy and negotiations, she secured a six-month rent waiver from the organisation’s landlord to secure financial stability; for over a year she held meetings, often upwards of two hours, every two weeks with the Executive leadership; she completely restructured the marketing department in 2025, and throughout streamlined internal systems, established recruitment processes, organised internal databases, ensured organisational compliance, chaired additional meetings sometimes weekly and focused on whatever the moment demanded to achieve clarity and stability. At one stage, under strain, the Board collectively took on the responsibilities of a chief executive, with Raeesa leading and managing the intensive effort and all functions. This held until a voluntary interim CEO was appointed, a role taken on by someone who agreed to step in solely out of deep trust in Raeesa’s commitment to the theatre.
In her final days, Raeesa was able to rapidly write the organisation’s first Trustee’s Annual Report, outlining the theatre’s core values, activities and achievements. The document, now publicly available, was created by Raeesa in extensive detail to present all the intricacies of the theatre, preserve the established values, assist with future grant applications, and provide information to the BIT community in her absence. The last measure she secured was a written agreement from the theatre’s largest creditor that no repayments would be sought until at least 2027, and even then, only in manageable stages to facilitate further ‘breathing space.’
As she steps back from the Board, Raeesa leaves the theatre in a strong position for the future. She has led the team from severe and gross financial losses at the time of when she first joined, to, at her time of leaving, reaching a position of three consecutive record-breaking months (over £30k each month) and a modest profit, clearing all outstanding short-term debt, increasing revenue and lowering costs, without staff cuts, and increasing average revenues for all areas (venue hire, bar sales and our cores offerings, theatre school and workplace training). Remarkably, this has been achieved whilst finding a full-time CEO, resuming rent payments after the six-month waiver she achieved, and operating without a dedicated fundraiser.
Raeesa adds, “It’s a testament to the BIT that it attracts spectacular talent and kind souls. Behind the scenes, we have recruited driven, passionate and hardworking people; a whole team, which manages day-to-day operations, processes and executes our long-term strategy, is critical to all the work we do as an organisation. I hope my departure exemplifies the faith and trust I have in the current team to continue this growth.”
On stepping down, Raeesa says, “I cannot pretend that this role did not take a great deal of heart and energy; it did, and I gave all of it willingly. And now that we’re here, now that the theatre is enjoying the success for which so many people worked so hard, I feel able to step back and give that same energy to my own life and career. It feels right to cheer everyone on from a different vantage point.”
When asked what she will miss the most, she says, the people. “The kinds of connections you cannot plan were born; they grow out of shared purpose, late-night problem-solving, unexpected laughter, and the belief that something special is worth fighting for. The tears, the generous parting gestures, and the heartfelt responses to my resignation- I am so grateful. More than any project or milestone, it’s the community around me that has shaped my experience. It has been emotional to step away, but I am reminded that I’m not really saying goodbye. I am leaving a position; I’m not leaving the Bristol Improv Theatre, the bonds I’ve formed, or the community I’ve gained. This place, and the people who bring it to life, will always remain a part of me. You will see me, whether it’s grinning in the audience, chatting at the bar, or simply cheering at every success. It’s just that all chapters, even the most meaningful ones, must eventually come to a close.”
Raeesa – in pictures! (carousel photos) by AdminWe think the greatest testament to Raeesa’s perseverance, energy, enthusiasm and achievements are best echoed by those who have worked alongside her on the board and in various roles in the theatre. So, as an expression of our thanks to her, we leave some final words to them…..
‘It has been one of the most genuinely rewarding and inspiring experiences, working alongside Raeesa on the Board of Trustees. I have been in awe of her expertise and tenacity, which undoubtedly has been instrumental in getting the theatre to the place it is now. Raeesa really is one in a million , and the legacy she leaves the theatre is vast.” Emily Griffiths, Trustee
“Raeesa’s leadership and level-headedness have steered us through some turbulent waters and left us stronger on the other side of it. On top of that, she was also a delight to work with! It’s very heartening to know as co-founder that the theatre has had such professional, committed, and diligent people as Raeesa to support and lead it into the future.” Stephen Clements, Co-founder of the BIT
“I’d like to express my appreciation and thanks for the great amount of time and effort that Raeesa has devoted towards making the Bristol Improv Theatre an ongoing thriving, and financially sustainable community venture. I have found Raeesa to be enthusiastic, serious and energetic in her role as Chair of the Trustees. Thank you Raeesa”. Ian Towers, This Is Your Musical
I met Raeesa by chance whilst working for an independent fringe theatre in Bristol. It was clear she was a very knowledgeable, passionate and affable person. She had a background in law and I was impressed with how thorough and insightful she was. The Bristol Improv Theatre was in the process of applying to become a charity and seeking trustees to join our board. It was evident that Raeesa’s experience and voice on the board would be immensely valuable, and so it proved. Whilst I was still working for the theatre, it was illuminating and comforting to have Raeesa’s voice on the board; her approach to problems was thorough and she provided legal insight that a small theatre could scarcely have afforded. As I left my role, Raeesa became Chair and steered the theatre through a very difficult time. She was able to restructure the staffing in a way to provide long term growth, negotiate deals with suppliers and provide a consistent voice for the theatre. All of this I believe has contributed to the theatre’s continued position in the cultural landscape, providing important resources to artists, actors and everyone who walks through its doors.” Luke Mallison CFO Wardrobe Theatre (former Executive Director, BIT)
Raeesa was an amazing Trustee at the Bristol Improv Theatre. She was great to work with, super dedicated, and always went the extra mile for the theatre. Can’t wait to see what she gets up to next! Millie Haswell, former Social Media assistant BIT
Raeesa was a real injection of energy and light to the theatre when it needed it the most! Working with her was always an absolute pleasure. Liza Ryder, former Marketing Manager, BIT
I made the decision to join the Bristol Improv Theatre board because I was impressed with Raeesa’s leadership style. Boards often talk a big game during recruitment, but don’t always back up their words with action. Her passion for the BIT coupled with her practical approach gave me the confidence that this would be a Board that delivered on its promises. It was clear to me from our first conversation that Raeesa was all about results and that her primary commitment was setting the board up for success. She has set the model of leadership that will be a legacy for years if not decades to come. Angela Kingdon, Trustee
Incredible! Thank you for your service Raeesa!