Chairman of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board Derek Young announced Brett Sheehy as the new Artisitc Director and Chief Executive of MTC today, ending a six month international recruitment process.
Chairman of the Melbourne Theatre Company Board Derek Young announced Brett Sheehy as the new Artistic Director and Chief Executive of MTC today, ending a six month international recruitment process.
"Brett Sheehy is one of Australia’s most acclaimed artistic directors, producers and curators. He has directed over eight festivals … and he is best known for commissioning and co-commissioning scores of new Australian work across every art form," said Mr Young.
Brett Sheehy has had over 26 years of experience in national and international arts communities, and worked for the Sydney Theatre Company for ten years as their Artistic Associate and Deputy General Manager among other roles. He is currently the Artistic Director for the Melbourne International Arts Festival and his work on other capital cities’ festivals makes him the first person to direct three of the five international arts festivals in Australia’s State capital cities.
Sheehy is replacing Simon Phillips who resigned in July last year after 11 years with the Company, directing more than 25 productions and overseeing the development of MTC’s new headquarters in Sturt Street.
Upon hearing the announcment Simon Phillips said, "I’m delighted to be leaving my beloved Company in such secure and dextrous hands. Brett has proved himself to be one of the great nurturers of the Australian theatre, with a long history of development of new works and a canny nose for excellence and potential."
"And as a curator he has brought the country such a rich selection of diverse pleasures in his festivals, that I’m sure he’ll lend the same sense of variety and adventure to his programming decisions for the MTC. It’s an exciting new phase for the Company and I’m thrilled that Brett is bringing his special combination of glee and gravitas to the helm."
Brett Sheehy will commence a part-time position at MTC in 2012 to organise the 2013 Season, and will begin full-time with the company in November 2012. Until then, MTC General Manager Ann Tonks will fulfill the position as interim CEO and an Artistic Directorate will be appointed shortly to program the 2012 MTC Season.
