Our Team
Sam West
Co-Founder, Producer
Sam West is a co-founder and current co-owner of Wrestling Resurgence. Behind the scenes Sam works as a producer for Wrestling Resurgence and he sits on the booking panel, which helps to shape Resurgence events. Other responsibilities include liaising with talent, graphic design, social media, film editing, and fund raising.
On show days
At Resurgence live events you will normally find Sam behind the tech desk where he handles the show AV, coordinates set up and take down, and generally running around getting extremely sweaty and stressed.
Background
Sam is a full time Doctoral Researcher at Loughborough University in the School of Design and Creative Arts. Prior to starting his PhD, Sam spent 10 years working in the contemporary art world as a curator. Over the last 3 years, in the role of curator at University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre, he has worked with artists that use performance, film and photography to explore the politics of the body and identity.
In conjunction with Wrestling Resurgence, Sam has personally received consecutive Arts Council England Project Grants for Art & Wrestling, 2018, and Everything Patterned, 2019.
John Kirby
Co-Founder, Producer
John Kirby is a co-founder and current co-owner of Wrestling Resurgence and works for the company behind the scenes as a producer. John sits on the booking committee, and his other duties include staff and talent health and well being, show day preparation, and ticketing.
On show days
At Resurgence live events you will normally find John on the door where he looks after ticketing or expertly ringing the bell to mark the start and end of each match. John works tirelessly to make sure fans have a great experience. He is also known for having a traditional show day panic attack. After shows he is often to be found holding a baby (his baby, not a random baby).
Background
John is the Programming Manager at the University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre. This role includes managing the theatre programme and talent development initiatives. He has over 10 years experiences working in the arts.
Claire Warden
Co-Founder, Commentator & Academic Collaborator
Dr Claire Warden is a co-founder of Wrestling Resurgence. She is a long term research collaborator and co-host with Sam West of the Grappling Arts Podcast.
On show days
At Resurgence live events Claire is a key part of the creative team, performing the role of lead colour commentator. Watching from the balcony, Claire works with her broadcast colleague Joe Kennard to bring the action to life and share the in ring stories with the Resurgence digital audiences.
Background
Dr Claire Warden is Senior Lecturer in English and Drama at Loughborough University, and author of three monographs, including the British Academy-funded 'Migrating Modernist Performance: British Theatrical Travels through Russia' (Palgrave MacMillan). She is also the co-editor of 'Performance and Professional Wrestling' (Routledge 2016). She enjoys providing a bit of commentary for Wrestling Resurgence and chatting about wrestling on The Grappling Arts podcast.