Women in Theatre 2019 Wrap-Up

In 2019, the program saw the introduction of a technical design stream in addition to the core program as run in previous years. This meant not only did 12 participants have the chance to engage in practical career workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions throughout the year, but two Lighting and Sound Design professionals had the opportunity to be Associates on MTC mainstage productions.

Claire Springett was engaged as the Associate Lighting Designer on Shakespeare in Love, and Amy Holley as the Associate Sound Designer on Cosi. These positions offered hands on practical experience in designing for large-scale venues and productions that would transfer to a second venue. Both participants expressed the great value of the experience and how it has already enhanced their professional practice and led to further opportunity. In light of the success of this addition to the program to address the continued need to support women in this area, the Technical Design stream will continue in 2020.

The 2019 Women in Theatre program concluded in late November with each of the core participants presenting a 20-minute pitch to members of the MTC Artistic team and invited MTC executives. These included pitches for new plays, reworking’s of classics that speak directly to the #metoo movement, new positions and pathways for emerging artists, audience development ideas and more. The presentations were informed by knowledge and skills developed throughout the program, demonstrating marked professional growth thanks to their time in the initiative.

Thank you to our Women in Theatre Giving Circle whose support has enabled this program, helping to address gender imbalance in the arts sector.

We are also excited to share the below a list of Women in Theatre alumnae currently engaged as creatives for MTC’s 2020 Season:

Torch the Place
Costume Design, Kat Chan (Women in Theatre Program 2018)
Lighting Design, Amelia Lever-Davidson (Women in Theatre Program 2016)
Composer & Sound Designer, Clemence Williams (Women in Theatre Program 2019)

Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes
Director, Petra Kalive (Women Directors Program 2014)
Movement Consultant, Xanthe Beasley (Women in Theatre Program 2019)

SLAP. BANG. KISS.
Director, Prue Clark (Women in Theatre Program 2016)
Lighting Design, Amelia Lever-Davidson (Women in Theatre Program 2016)

Fun Home
Associate Director, Clemence Williams (Women in Theatre Program 2019)

Girls & Boys
Composer & Sound Designer, Sidney Miller (Women in Theatre Program 2018)
Lighting Design, Amelia Lever-Davidson (Women in Theatre Program 2016)

Applications for 2020’s core program opened on Wednesday 4 December, with the technical design stream opening in January. 

Find out more about the 2020 program

If you would like to learn more about how you can support the MTC Women in Theatre Program, please contact Major Gifts Manager, Sophie Boardley, 03 8688 0959 or via email on s.boardley@mtc.com.au.