The Blue Room Theatre appoints new Executive Director

Blue Room Theatre Julian HobbaThe Blue Room Theatre board has announced the appointment of Julian Hobba as Executive Director of Perth’s home of independent theatre, The Blue Room Theatre.

“The board are so happy to appoint Julian as our new Executive Director. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from across the country and we are excited to have him join the team,” said Chair of The Blue Room Theatre board, Libby Klysz.

Since 2013 Julian has been Artistic Director of Aspen Island Theatre Company, established to create and produce contemporary Australian theatre in Canberra. Prior to that he was Program Manager: Arts and Culture for the Centenary of Canberra – a year long city-of-culture style festival under the creative directorship of Robyn Archer AO. In this role he oversaw the commissioning and presentation of new work and projects by organisations that include Urban Theatre Projects, Polyglot, Theatre Network Australia, and the Spiegeltent.

Julian also has experience as Company Manager at Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne under Artistic Directors Michael Kantor and Marion Potts. He has maintained his own practice as an independent artist throughout his career, having written and directed a number of his own works, most recently, The Slip Lane (2016) and Bartleby (2014). His play Father.Son.Rule. was shortlisted for the 2008 Griffin Award.

“I’m thrilled to be joining The Blue Room Theatre, a company that’s loved by its community of artists, audience and members and is so vital to the performing arts in WA,” said Hobba. “Watching new works of Australian theatre is a joyful and profound experience. Supporting the artists who make that work, and who speak to the diversity of our experience of the world today, is important. To lead a team dedicated to doing that throughout the year in Perth feels like an honour.”

Julian will take up his appointment in April when The Blue Room Theatre fondly farewells outgoing Executive Director Kerry O’Sullivan, who has served in the role for more than five years. For more information, visit: www.blueroom.org.au for details.

Image: Julian Hobba (supplied)