Executive Director

Build on a rich legacy of visionary theatre makers and landmark theatrical productions at one of Australia’s leading theatre companies.

• One of Australia’s leading theatre companies and the flagship theatre company of South Australia 
• We create, produce and promote phenomenal, inclusive and transformative theatre
• Build on a rich legacy of visionary theatre makers and landmark theatrical productions

State Theatre Company South Australia, with its home on Kaurna land, is the flagship theatre company of South Australia and is a resident artistic company of the Adelaide Festival Centre.

We commission, perform and tour theatrical productions of new and existing, classic and contemporary, Australian and international work.

We champion a diversity of voices — including First Nations artists, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and are committed to making our work accessible to all. We create platforms that push boundaries and invite bold ideas, earning recognition for high-quality, large-scale theatrical storytelling that is both grounded in place and expansive in vision.

With a stable, professional board and management, the Company enjoys the confidence of a supportive Minister for the Arts in a South Australian government which has recently announced funding for our new home.   A substantial uplift in investment by Creative Australia in our 2025-2028 NPAPF agreement represents an endorsement of our ambitious strategic plan to make phenomenal, transformative and inclusive theatre that enriches South Australian and Australian culture.

A loyal and growing subscriber base, enthusiastic supporters and emerging private investors reflect confidence in the breadth, depth and quality of our work, with a commitment to First Nations led work, gender equity in lead creative roles and commissioning and presenting new work.

The Company has a deserved reputation for providing a safe and structured professional environment for theatre making and is an integral part of a vibrant industry ecosystem with highly valued relationships with schools, universities, artists and companies in a State which has a leading reputation in the arts.

The Executive Director, working jointly with our new Artistic Director Petra Kalive, is responsible for the achievement of the Company’s artistic mission, building brand and profile, increasing financial viability, developing audiences, overseeing the Company’s productions, and developing and sustaining the talents of the Company’s staff and artists with which it works.

We are seeking an energetic, collaborative, committed and creative arts professional  to build on the strengths of our Company to help realise our ambitions to have a deep and meaningful impact on the local culture and build the Company’s profile and partnerships nationally. 

Our future lies in expanding how we make and share theatre — inventive programming, creative collaboration, and helping the company shape its next chapter. Flexibility, creativity and innovation are central to this evolution. We remain committed to producing live theatre of the highest calibre, as well as developing and supporting creative talent, contributing to a vibrant and resilient arts sector in South Australia.

Please contact the consultant assisting the Board to obtain the link to the Information for Candidates site that has full details of the role and the application requirements:

Tony Grierson

AEGEUS Executive Search    

P: +61 8 7160 2383

E: statetheatre@aegeus.asia