Chris Kohn appointed new Artistic Director at La Boite

Chris Kohn_by Dylan EvansBrisbane’s La Boite Theatre Company has announced that Chris Kohn will succeed David Berthold as the company’s new Artistic Director and CEO.

Highly respected nationally as a cultural leader, Chris Kohn brings an extensive professional network to the role. He has an excellent track record both as an artistic director and sector leader. He was the selection panel’s unanimous choice.

Previously, an Artistic Director of acclaimed Melbourne-based Arena Theatre Company, he was co-founder and Artistic Director of leading independent company Stuck Pigs Squealing. Under his directorship, Stuck Pigs Squealing received six Green Room awards, four Fringe Festival awards and two New York International Fringe Festival Awards.

Chris has also been recognised with numerous industry awards and nominations including: a number of Green Room Awards for Direction and Writing; an Ian Potter Cultural Trust Fellowship; the George Fairfax Memorial Award, a State Library of Victoria Creative Fellowship; and the Sidney Myer Fellowship.

He moved to Brisbane in 2012 to take up the role of Queensland’s Theatre Diversity Associate, a position created by the Australia Council which has enabled him to establish strong local relationships, particularly with La Boite, Queensland Theatre Company, Metro Arts and BEMAC.

Chris said he is honoured to lead a company such as La Boite which has always embraced reinvention throughout its almost 90 year history.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be presented the opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most dynamic and nationally significant theatre companies,” says Mr Kohn.

“La Boite is a company with a unique and adventurous audience, committed staff and deeply invested supporters. It is a particular privilege to be building on David Berthold’s work to cement La Boite’s place in the national arts landscape.”

Chris will commence as Artistic Director / CEO at La Boite in late May. For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.

Image: Chris Kohn – photo by Dylan Evans