A successful career in the arts depends on a combination of creative talent, a strong portfolio and industry connections. However unlike traditional career paths, artists are often hampered by a lack of opportunities to develop these skills.
Tasnim Hossain is no stranger to career development programs. Her journey with Melbourne Theatre Company began as a participant in our Women in Theatre program in 2018 and later she honed her directorial skills through our First Stage writers’ program in 2022.
Tasnim’s star only continued to rise – joining the Company’s Artistic team in 2022 as Resident Director and taking on the role of Associate Artist in 2024. Most recently, Tasnim directed the productions of English [Season 2024] and Never Have I Ever [Season 2025]. Tasnim’s skill and vision has been instrumental as the Company enters its new era, centring around the development of new works and investing in the talent of local artists.
Knowing the importance of career development programs, Tasnim is paying it forward by guiding the next generation of industry talent: ‘When I’m not directing plays I look after the Future Creatives program, which is a pathway program for designers from historically under-represented backgrounds.’ The program provides paid placements for assistant designers to work alongside senior theatre designers on Melbourne Theatre Company productions.
One of the biggest challenges facing young creatives in the Melbourne arts sector is making the jump from small independent theatres to mainstage; there is a dire need for more mid-size opportunities to help early career artists improve their skills and build their industry networks. Initiatives offered by Melbourne Theatre Company, like Future Creatives and Future Directors, help to bridge that gap and offer burgeoning artists the opportunity to grow and develop.
‘Without a program like this I’d probably never be somewhere like Melbourne Theatre Company,’ said Wiradjuri and Filipino musician, Todd J. Bennett, a 2024 Future Creative.
Through her experience, Tasnim understands that the wealth of theatrical expertise comes from hands-on experience, not just formal training. She believes her first professional job as an assistant director was an opportunity that shaped the course of her artistic practice. ‘It completely changed the trajectory of what I thought my career might look like. I remember three or four days into rehearsals, having this “oh no” feeling about directing, like a lurching in my chest, and it was the exact same feeling of falling in love with someone new and desperately hoping that they felt the same way,’ she said. ‘That’s how I felt in the rehearsal room learning what it was to be a director.’
The MinterEllison Future Directors Initiative is another program the Company offers to support up-and-coming artists to master their craft. We provide artists with a valuable opportunity to gain their first mainstage experience and in doing so, aim to support the professional growth of Australia’s next generation of directors.
Assistant Director Aubrey Flood and Tasnim Hossain during rehearsals for Never Have I Ever. Photo: Sarah Walker
‘The MinterEllison program has been amazing for me. Being able to be part of this room, watching Tasnim work and learning from her and the other artists is without a doubt one of the highlights of my career so far.’ 2025 MinterEllison Future Director, Aubrey Flood (Never Have I Ever) said.
As a Company, we are driven to not only invest in diverse stories but to also invest in the creatives who are able to tell these stories authentically. Creating opportunities for early career artists to work at scale plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and sustainability of artistic careers.
Please donate today so we can continue to share our knowledge with the talented, passionate artists of the future.
Published on 2 May 2025