Theatre Works’ Creative Producer and CEO Daniel Clarke will step down from the position after almost five years in the role in March 2016. Daniel will move to Arts Centre Melbourne as Programmer, Performing Arts from 16 March.
Daniel started at Theatre Works in April 2011 and in January 2016 he will launch his fifth and final program for the St Kilda based organisation. In his time at Theatre Works Daniel has helped cement Theatre Works’ position both nationally and internationally as a highly regarded organisation that supports the development and presentation of diverse and ambitious live performances from our most visionary independent artists.
“I have had an extraordinary time at Theatre Works and have dedicated my life to this very special organisation for the last four and a half years,” said Daniel. “I have had the privilege of working with so many brilliant artists and look forward to remaining connected to the amazing independent arts sector in my new role at Arts Centre Melbourne.”
“I want to thank the Theatre Works Board, staff and all the artists I have worked with through my time at Theatre Works – it certainly has been the best job I’ve ever had.”
During his tenure, Daniel has supported the artistic development of many artists who are now working across the independent, mainstage and international festival circuits. These include Nicola Gunn, Adena Jacobs, Ash Flanders, Declan Greene, Stephen Nicolazzo, Gary Abrahams, Present Tense Ensemble, Clare Watson, Daniel Schlusser Ensemble, THE RABBLE, Sarah Ward, Elbow Room and Stuck Pigs Squealing.
He helped established the inaugural Festival of Live Art and launched Kaleidoscope; a micro Festival for under 12s; and FLIGHT – Festival of New Writing in partnership with the VCA. Most recently he established and curated Australia’s first Directors Lab in partnership with Lincoln Center Theatre as part of Melbourne Festival, which will again be presented in 2016. Projects and artists that Theatre Works supported received 15 Green Room nominations in 2013 and 23 in 2014.
Under his leadership Theatre Works has exponentially increased all sources of income including box office, philanthropic support and private donations. Turnover for the organisation has increased by 171%.
Critically acclaimed international works that Daniel presented in Melbourne and throughout Australia included Nilaja Sun’s No Child… thisispopbaby’s The Year of Magical W*nking, Scottee’s The Worst of Scottee, Bryony Kimmings’ Sex Idiot and Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model and he co-?commissioned Bryony Kimmings’ Fake it ‘til you Make it with Southbank Centre London. In 2016 Theatre Works will tour US legend, Penny Arcade’s new work Longing Last Longer, throughout Australia.
Through his time at Theatre Works the organisation has worked in partnership with Melbourne Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Next Wave, Griffin Theatre, The Blue Room, Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, Darebin Arts, Fringe World Perth, Adelaide Fringe, Midsumma Festival, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Arts House Melbourne, Victorian College of the Arts, Monash University, Red Stitch, Metro Arts, Southbank Centre London and Soho Theatre.
“Daniel’s appointment as Theatre Works’ first Creative Producer marked an important new era and curatorial style for our now 35 year old company,” said Theatre Works Chair, Suzanne Chaundy. “Daniel has confirmed Theatre Works as absolutely vital to the ecology of the independent theatre sector both locally and nationally and has worked passionately and tirelessly to see through our combined vision. It is almost unbelievable the number of strategic goals that have been achieved in such a relatively short period of time.”
“Within the industry, Daniel has become known as a champion for independent artists. From increasing artist fees, to establishing a profit share fundraiser for independent artists, to his no-holds-barred approach to production designs that have transformed the Theatre Works space. His passion and stamina sets him apart and will most certainly be missed by independent artists both here and overseas.
“We are sad to say goodbye to Daniel but know he is going to go on to do more great things on a larger stage and is leaving Theatre Works in a wonderful position to flourish and ready to engage with another vibrant visionary who will lead us forward into our exciting future.”
Outside Theatre Works, Daniel has worked in Australia, the UK and US as a Theatre Director, Producer and Artistic Director. During 2007-08 he worked as Creative Producer/Associate Artist of Leicester Haymarket Theatre Company (UK), as well as Artistic Director of Adelaide’s Feast Festival (receiving the prestigious Arts SA Ruby Award for Community Impact). Daniel also produced New York act, The Wau Wau Sisters in Australia and the UK.
As a Director, Daniel has worked with companies including MTC, Playbox, Brink, STCSA and The Bush. Most notable directing credits include: Gaybies by Dean Bryant (Midsumma/Sumner Theatre), Palace of the End by Judith Thompson (Theatre Works), The Golden Dragon by Roland Schimmelpfennig (MTC), Pornography by Simon Stephens (STCSA), My Name is Rachel Corrie (Adelaide Fringe/fortyfive downstairs) and The Event by John Clancy (Melbourne & Sydney Fringes). In 2001 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to the community through theatre.
Theatre Works will commence the recruitment process for the next Creative Producer and CEO in coming weeks. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Daniel Clarke