Artistic Director

Hayes Theatre Co is seeking an exceptional Artistic Director

Lead Australia’s home of music theatre into its next chapter.

Founded in 2014 and named in honour of musical theatre legend Nancye Hayes, Hayes is Australia’s only registered charity dedicated exclusively to developing, commissioning, producing and touring Australian music theatre. Small in scale but huge in impact, Hayes has built a reputation for fearless, ambitious work. It’s a place where artists take risks, audiences experience bold and dynamic performances, and new Australian stories find their first life.

Hayes Theatre is an intimate 111-seat venue in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay. Hayes creates productions and festivals for its home venue, and increasingly tours its own productions and presents its work in other Sydney venues. In 2027, for the first time, it is anticipated that as many people will see Hayes’ work in other spaces, as they will at our theatre itself.  

After a period of co-artistic leadership that began in 2022, the Board now seeks an Artistic Director to commence in late 2027, deliver the 2028 season and lead programming from 2029. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, and reporting to the Board, the Artistic Director will shape Hayes’ own productions, curate the wider annual season, champion new Australian work, artists and creatives, and help shape the company’s 2029–2032 strategic plan.

The successful candidate will be a leader with vision, courage, warmth and credibility: someone who understands the craft and possibility of music theatre, works generously with artists and producers, and keeps Hayes distinctive and closely connected to its audiences. They will bring proven artistic leadership, strong curatorial judgement and the commercial sense to balance ambition with sustainability.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a brave, artist-centred company with audiences at its heart.

Download the Candidate Selection Pack here.

For further information or a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:

Executive Director Will Harvey at [email protected] or

Chair Fiona Allan at [email protected].

Closing date: 5pm, Friday November 27th 2026