Melbourne Theatre Company Chooses Thirteen Female Directors For Women Directors Program

Thirteen directors will participate in Melbourne Theatre Company's new Women Directors Program, a first for a major theatre company in Australia.

With more than seventy applications received from emerging and established directors around the country, MTC has appointed Olivia Allen, Bridget Balodis, Naomi Edwards, Lucy Freeman, Petra Kalive, Nadja Kostich, Sarah Kriegler, Elizabeth Millington, Janice Muller, Kate Sulan, Yvonne Virsik, Ingrid Voorendt, and Clare Watson to participate in this unique new program.

'The under-representation of women directors on Australian theatre stages is clear. This program, along with the appointment of MTC's first female associate director in 8 years with Leticia Caceres, is a step towards MTC's developing stronger relationships with women artists. Leticia has led the development of the Program, and I salute and thank her for her passion, professionalism and tremendous work in ensuring we have been able to realise this initiative,' MTC Artistic Director Brett Sheehy said.

'We're thrilled with the calibre of applicants for MTC's inaugural Women Directors Program',MTC Associate Director Leticia Caceres said. 'This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to develop MTC's relationship with thirteen directors who are all making exciting and innovative theatre across the country and around the world.'

'We welcome them and look forward to an exciting year of vigorous discussion, knowledge sharing, coaching and training,' she said.

Participants in MTC's year-long Women Directors Program will have the opportunity to pitch work to MTC for production, and receive regular mentoring support from the Company's artistic and management staff.

The directors will attend production briefings, selected design briefings and receive exclusive invitations to MTC events and other networking opportunities. In addition they will participate in an intensive leadership/coaching workshop focussing on developing personal authority and confidence, enhancing leadership potential and career management.

MTC Women Directors Program also provides an opportunity for the participants to build a supportive peer community to discuss their experiences and seek peer group advice.

'These directors will have a unique opportunity to learn from each other as well as MTC, allowing cross-fertilisation of ideas to enhance their work and gain a supportive network as they build their leadership potential,' Leticia Caceres said.