Now in its fifth year, Melbourne Theatre Company has announced the 12 new participants for its 2018 Women in Theatre Program, providing invaluable career development opportunities for women working in the sector.
Commencing in February, this year’s successful applicants are Anne Bravos (Scenic Art), Kat Chan (Set & Costume Design), Siobhan Connors (Emerging Producer), Tahli Corin (Artistic Director), Susannah Day (Executive Director & Operations), Tasnim Hossain (Dramaturgy & Literary Management), Anna Kerrigan (Education & Outreach), Lauren Makin (Production Management), Sidney Millar (Sound Design & Composition), Scarlet McGlynn (Director), Clare Springett (Lighting Design) and Katy Warner (Playwright).
“It’s with great pleasure that we welcome these 12 participants to the 2018 program and to MTC as they commence a year-long journey with us,” said MTC Artistic Director Brett Sheehy. “Each year as we select and announce the new participants for our Women in Theatre program, I am struck by the talent of applicants from all areas of the industry and the burning desire for opportunities to network and grow their careers.”
“This program is about recognising talent, helping to develop and nurture it, and responding to the evolving needs of the sector. The fact that it is one of the most sought-after MTC initiatives with hundreds of applications received each year is testament to how important it is and we are proud to see the program enter its fifth year and going from strength to strength.”
MTC’s Women in Theatre Program is a 12 month career development initiative that pairs each participant with a mentor in their chosen field and provides a calendar of networking opportunities, leadership training and workshops covering a range of topics to afford participants with a rounded understanding of how a major performing arts company operates.
The Program has supported 45 theatre professionals in their career development to date and continues to provide invaluable opportunities for women working in the sector. In 2018 the program includes participants working in education and scenic art for the first time.
“With multiple years of the program under our belt it’s wonderful to see the career progression of the alumni and, perhaps more importantly, the strong peer network established amongst the various groups,” said MTC Producer and Women in Theatre Program curator Martina Murray.
“In addition to the professional development and mentoring opportunities the program provides, it was always designed to help connect women with their contemporaries from other disciplines, so to see this happening and the positive impact of the program beyond the scheduled 12 months is extremely rewarding.”
The MTC initiative was established in 2014 as the Women Directors Program and later expanded in 2016 to the Women in Theatre Program to include a broader range of disciplines. Since 2016 it has been supported by MTC’s Women in Theatre Giving Circle.
For more information about MTC’s Women in Theatre Program and the 2018 participants, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: Anne Bravos, Kat Chan, Siobhan Connors, Tahli Corin, Susannah Day, Tasnim Hossain, Anna Kerrigan, Lauren Makin, Sidney Millar, Scarlet McGlynn, Clare Springett and Katy Warner (supplied)