Hayes Theatre Co has announced a new creative leadership model by appointing Co-Artistic Directors. The company was previously led by a committee of industry professionals who made up the Hayes Programming Committee.
Responding to the needs of a dynamic company in a rapidly evolving sector, the Hayes Theatre Co board has taken an important step to ensure the future success of the company.
Director and producer Richard Carroll, a founding member of Hayes, and Victoria Falconer, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and musical director, have been appointed as inaugural Co-Artistic Directors for a term of three years.
Richard has directed many shows at Hayes Theatre Co including the critically acclaimed, Calamity Jane, which went on to tour nationally to sold out houses.
Victoria is an awarding winning Cabaret Artist and Musical Director and has previously worked at Hayes Theatre Co on shows such as Lizzie.
“Appointing a Musical Director and a Director as the artistic leaders of a Musical Theatre company is the best choice.”, said Hayes Chair Lisa Campbell. “Both create vibrant and bold theatre, but just as importantly, Victoria is an internationally renowned star of cabaret and Richard an award-winning producer.”
“Between them, they have a broad spectrum of experience – I have no doubt they will program the most exciting shows, but also provide support and leadership to emerging creators and performers.”
“The Hayes Programming Committee have done an incredible job for the past nine years and have built the company into what it is today. However, the Hayes Board have long talked about the importance of graduating to an Artistic Director model when the time was right.”
“Coming out of a pandemic, with an urgent imperative to support our artists, our creative and presenting partners and our dedicated audiences – as well as entering our tenth year – means that this is the right time to embrace our next phase,” said Campbell.
“The Hayes is an extraordinary, innovative place, and it’s a huge honour and responsibility to share the new role of Artistic Director with my friend and creative partner Victoria Falconer,” said Incoming Co-Artistic Director, Richard Carroll.
“I also want to pay tribute to the company’s outgoing Programming Committee and particularly its Head, Lisa Campbell, for steering programming decisions for the past several years. They have played a key role in making the Hayes such a remarkable success story, and a cultural hub for Australia’s theatre and music communities.”
“Vicky and I are excited and energised to carry this legacy forward, and to help the company evolve further in the coming years,” said Carroll.
“I have been fortunate enough to work as a creative in this beloved space a number of times,” said Victoria Falconer. “I have experienced first-hand how special it is to have such a passionate, knowledgeable team supporting you, as well as the devoted audience that the Hayes has.”
“Stepping into the co-Artistic Director role is an immense privilege, and I am keen to maintain the world-class performance standards that have long been associated with this company, both in its independent programming and its own in-house productions.”
“I am looking forward to beginning this new chapter, and excited to share our creative vision with you all,” said Falconer.
For more information about the Hayes Theatre Co, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer – courtesy of Hayes Theatre Co.