The Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) Board has announced the appointment of Hayden Tonazzi as the new Artistic Director & CEO.
Throughout the recruitment process, Hayden showed an extensive understanding of the position, illustrating a keen balance between the running of the organisation as a leader, and creating an artistic vision that provides a platform to establish the next generation of Australia’s writers, directors, actors, and artists.
Hayden comes with a deep knowledge of the organisation and a wealth of artistic experience. They were appointed Associate Director & Creative Producer after holding the position of Artistic Associate since 2023 at ATYP.
During this time with ATYP, Hayden directed Converted! by Vic Zerbst for the 2025 Sydney Festival, Shack by George Kemp, produced Saplings by Hannah Belanszky for the 2024 Sydney Festival, and the national tour of Past The Shallows adapted by Julian Larnach (from the award-winning debut novel by Favel Parrett).
Hayden has also been responsible for ATYP’s Generator: Regional Connections Program, mentoring 12 teaching artists across regional NSW to deliver two years of drama workshops for more than 700 young people.
Outside of ATYP, Hayden has done significant work directing and developing new Australian writing, with credits including Pickled بيكلد for PYT Fairfield and Downstairs Belvoir, the last train to Madeline by Callum Mackay for Fever103, and This Genuine Moment by Jacob Parker for La Mama and the Old 505.
As Co-Artistic Director and Producer for the Lysicrates Foundation, they have been responsible for commissioning and developing the winners of the Lysicrates and Martin-Lysicrates Prize from 2022 – 2024.
“For over 60 years, ATYP has empowered young people, including myself, to find their voice and claim a place in the world through theatre,” said Hayden. “It was a company that was there to support my first steps as a director, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue that work with the next generation of storytellers.”
Hayden will commence in the role in coming weeks, and will begin work on implementing a creative program to be released later this year. For more information, visit: www.atyp.com.au for details.
Image: Hayden Tonazzi – photo by Campbell J Parsons