Executive Producer and Co-CEO Tim Stitz has advised the Back to Back Theatre Board that he will leave the company in mid-2025.
Tim has made this decision following the appointment of his partner Petra Kalive as Artistic Director & Co-CEO of State Theatre Company of South Australia (STCSA), and will move with his family to Adelaide.
“For the past four years Back to Back has been exceptionally fortunate to have Tim in the role of Co-CEO. Together with Bruce Gladwin, Tim has guided the company through a period of great achievement and tumult,” said Acting Chair of the Board, Yoni Prior.
During Tim’s tenure the company has successfully joined the National Performing Arts Partnerships Framework, expanded its screen operations, resumed touring to national and international destinations (most recently Venice, Shanghai & Los Angeles, representing broad re-engagement with Asia, Europe and North America), and supported the development of various new works and wider community engagement. We are immensely grateful to Tim for his time with Back to Back,” said Prior.
“Tim has played an important role at Back to Back Theatre through tough circumstances, and I want to thank him for his contribution, dedication, and hard work,” said Back to Back Ensemble Member, Scott Price.
“As my co-CEO for the last four years Tim has expertly managed the company through Covid lockdowns and the unknown territory of re-establishing business as usual,” said Co-CEO Bruce Gladwin. “Tim’s skills have brought a great deal of comfort and stability for the staff, and created a healthy and vibrant extended team.
“I have always found it easy, effective and fun working with him. I’m sad to see Tim go, but congratulate him in supporting Petra’s career. I wish Tim and his family the best in their move to Adelaide,” said Gladwin.
“Working at Back to Back is one of the greatest highlights of my career. The quality of the company’s work is unparalleled and I continue to be marvel at the rigor of the Ensemble, Bruce and wider group of creatives and collaborators,” said Tim Stitz.
“I’m immensely grateful to the Back to Back staff and Board, and am honoured to have worked with such a committed, talented and full-of-heart team.”
Tim Stitz joined Back to Back Theatre as Executive Producer and Co-CEO in August 2020. Prior to this Tim held various positions within the arts sector include at the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), Arts Centre Melbourne and Creative Partnerships Australia.
Tim was Creative Director & CEO of Chamber Made from 2013 – 2018, and was involved in raising $3.2-million for the rebuild of Melbourne’s iconic La Mama Theatre, following the devastating 2018 fire.
Tim is a graduate of the University of Melbourne, an alumnus of the Asialink Leaders Program and the Australia Council Emerging Leaders Development Program, and a passionate advocate for access, inclusion and representation across all parts of the creative industries. Tim is currently a Board Member of Theatre Network Australia.
Tim’s mid-year departure will allow sufficient time to support a smooth transition and recruitment, and also to oversee the delivery of various 2025 projects. Recruitment for a new Executive Producer & Co-CEO will commence early in the new year.
For more information about Back to Back Theatre, visit: www.backtobacktheatre.com for details.
Image: Tim Stitz (supplied)