Embracing Change: A Letter from the Artistic Director

I'm back at ATYP! For the past four months, I've been on long-service leave, something almost unheard of in the Arts. It's been interesting stepping away from the company for such an extended period of time.

On a personal level, it's been transformational — the long break gave back the thing that I've been most lacking in recent years; time. Time to rest, time to catch up with people, time to think, time to build things (literally, I renovated my apartment) and time away from the daily small-to-medium arts company wrestle. I've come back feeling healthy. Not necessarily fitter or stronger, but with a grounded sense of perspective that comes with a little distance from the job.

While I was away, there was something of a transformation at ATYP. After an intense four years for the industry and ATYP more specifically, we discovered I wasn't the only person in the company in need of change. While I was away many of the staff moved on to other roles, stepping into the next chapter of their careers. I suspect, like many others, I followed the updates with curiosity, wondering what the impact such a level of change would have when it happens so quickly.

It's always sad to say goodbye to colleagues that we work with so closely in this industry. We build our relationships with people, not companies. So when people leave, we feel the company will never be the same. There is a fear that each departure is a loss, mostly a loss of connection...with the company's roots, its history, the small things that hold magical memories for those close to it.

But, of course, our industry thrives on change. Coming back into ATYP these past weeks I've been given a warm reminder that we are an industry that is built on shared values and aspirations. The joy and passion that drive the work we do remain constant even though the people delivering the programs change. When we recruit the right skills and values, the daily obstacles of the industry seem a lot smaller. 

So, while there was a definite sense of loss as people we were so close to left, the sadness is transformed by the excitement and enthusiasm that come with new people keen to push on, to challenge, to innovate, to refresh and move forward. Over the coming months, you will meet a range of new faces at ATYP. 

Melanie Raveendran has come across from the renowned data analysts at Patternmakers to be our Digital Engagement & Communications Coordinator. Kate Murphy joined the team, bringing her 15 years of workshop facilitation experience and love of youth arts to the role of Workshop Manager. Fresh from Adelaide, Stephen Moylan is overseeing all things technical for the next few months as our Operations Manager, while the ever-charming Tom Hughes steps out of the workshop room and into the office as Venue Coordinator. Last week, we welcomed Shane Sutton to the executive team as General Manager. Shane brings a wealth of leadership experience from the media and communications industry, working his way from a journalist to a change-management specialist and strategic consultant.   

At the same time, some of our familiar faces have stepped up into new roles. George Kemp has taken the reins as our Education Manager, overseeing the company's relationship with schools across the country. We are also pleased to announce that Hayden Tonazzi has taken on the responsibilities of Associate Director and Creative Producer in recognition of the leadership role he plays within the company. 

So, while some members of the team have changed, our programs continue at the same pace as ever. The last weeks have seen the Fresh Ink play readings held in Hobart, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney. 16 outstanding young writers mentored by 4 industry professionals have been honing their skills, crafting short works for young adult actors. These readings were close on the heels of the National Studio, held at the picturesque Riversdale arts centre on the Hawkesbury River, part of the Bundanon Trust. Once again the National Studio brought together writers from across the country to spend a week of professional development with inspiring playwrights. Jane FitzGerald (our Resident Dramaturg) and I had a particular joy reserved for senior artists when two past participants of the program, Lewis Treston and Hannah Belanszky, returned as industry mentors this year, following their stunning success over recent years. 

The rehearsals for the national tour of Past the Shallows began in Hobart. This multi-award-winning production directed by Ben Winspear will open at the Theatre Royal in Hobart before embarking on a national tour. 6 of the Sydney performances have already sold out so get online quickly to secure your seats for this poetic Australian story. 

We're also very pleased to be launching the Spring Holiday Drama Workshops program this week. If you have young actors in your life, this is the perfect school holiday activity for anyone aged between 4-18. You can see what's on offer by logging onto the ATYP website or clicking the link here . 

There's plenty to get involved in at ATYP in August. We look forward to introducing you to the new members of the team. 

Fraser Corfield

Artistic Director & CEO