Ensemble Theatre Announces The 2019 Sandra Bates Director's Award

Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre today announced that the 2019 Sandra Bates Director's Award (SBDA) is now taking submissions from emerging directors across Australia who would like the opportunity to work alongside Ensemble Theatre's directors on two plays throughout next year. The $16,000 Award is offered to two people who will each receive $8,000.

Mark Kilmurry initiated the Award as a legacy to former Artistic Director Sandra Bates, after she retired from her 30 years at the helm of Ensemble Theatre.

The Award nurtures emerging theatre directors by giving them the opportunity to work as Assistant Director on two Ensemble Theatre productions each year. The Award offers a wonderful opportunity for emerging directors to work with established professional directors to help develop and fine tune their craft said Mark Kilmurry.

Each year the two winners are offered a paid position of Assistant Director on two of Ensemble Theatre's main stage productions and then assist in the delivery of Ensemble Theatre's Boatshed program, each directing a staged playreading and helping with other Boatshed initiatives.

One of last year's recipients was Liz Arday who was Assistant Director for the hugely successful play, UNQUALIFIED, Directed by a previous recipient, Janine Watson. Liz then directed a rehearsed reading of Tracey Trinder's new work, KILLING KATIE; CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK CLUB and she will be Assistant Director for THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy opening in October. Previous recipients, Shaun Rennie will direct Tennessee Williams' BABY DOLL and Priscilla Jackman will direct Melanie Tait's THE APPLETON LADIES' POTATO RACE IN 2019added Mark Kilmurry.

The SBDA is now in its fourth year and is kindly supported by Deborah Thomas and Jinnie and Ross Gavin.

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE SANDRA BATES DIRECTOR'S AWARD
2018: LIZ ARDAY AND FELICITY NICOL
2017: Shaun Rennie AND FRANCESCA SAVIGE.
2016: PRISCILLA JACKMAN AND JANINE WATSON

Submissions for the 2019 Sandra Bates Director's Award close on Friday 21 September.

The two winners are announced on Thursday 18 October.

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