Our People

Staff

  • Co-CEO

    Erica (she/her) is an independent creative producer with more than 15 years of contemporary and experimental performing arts practice working across Australia and internationally. She has produced for Melbourne Fringe, Sydney WorldPride, the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), Next Wave, Sydney Festival, Performance Space, Darwin Festival and others. She is dedicated to facilitating arts outcomes which are rigorous, relevant, and reflective of the communities they serve. She is a recipient of the Green Room Award for Innovation in Curation and Programming and the George Fairfax Memorial Award for Excellence.

    As a consultant and facilitator, she is an active advocate for a strong creative sector. Erica initiates online spaces for discourse around class, power dynamics between artists and institutions, and interrogating what a healthy, inclusive arts practice can be. Since 2022 she has been a member of the Arts Wellbeing Collective’s Lived Experience Advisory Group. Born and raised on Wurundjeri country in Naarm (Melbourne) Erica is a proud Ballardong Noongar woman with Irish Convict, Scottish and Cornish heritage. She is a Graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Bachelor of Production) and a 2024 candidate of Small Giants Academy’s Mastery of Business and Empathy program.

  • Co-CEO

    Joshua (he/him) is an artist and creative business leader with sixteen years of experience as an executive leader of arts organisations and a passion for supporting and connecting people. Born and raised in Lutruwita/Tasmania, from 2007 to 2020 Joshua was the founding CEO/Artistic Director of DRILL, a national leader in youth dance, dedicated to fostering the growth of contemporary dance in Tasmania. He is a Graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Bachelor of Dance), and current MBA candidate at Melbourne Business School.

    Joshua was the General Manager of TNA from 2021-23 before moving into the role of Co-CEO. In that time he led the design and implementation of TNA’s Equity Action Plan, created the LeaderShift program, drove national political advocacy, and provided increased support for the youth arts sector. Joshua is guided by strong principles of justice and equity, informed by his queer identity and regional, working-class background.

  • Program Director

    Steph is an accomplished creative producer who has worked over the past decade with artists and festivals across Australia and the UK. Steph is also a composer and performance-maker, creating works in experimental theatre and live art spaces and composing music for stage & media.

    Steph is passionate about advocating for the value of arts workers to society, and about innovating to build sustainable arts careers and equitable pathways from education to industry. Recently Steph worked with Circus Oz as Producer of Artform & Industry Development, where she was dedicated to facilitating opportunities for artists and cultivating a thriving Australian circus sector.

    Steph holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts and a Master of Arts & Cultural Management.

  • Manager, Sector Development & Membership

    Yuhui is a Geelong-based, Singaporean performance-maker. Fuelled by a preoccupation with how transient places and people are, her work attempts to find a connection between home and inhabitant, country and citizen, body and culture. Projects include Baby Cake (Next Wave & Darebin Speakeasy 2018), Museum of Me (Darebin Arts 2016), Neighbours (Big West Festival 2015), Uncommon Places (Melbourne Fringe Keynote 2015) and Geelong Sweats (Geelong Arts Centre development 2020). She has worked across various arts administration roles for organisations such as Back to Back Theatre and the National Arts Council in Singapore. She is currently on the Artistic Directorate of Next Wave.

  • Communications Manager

    Wen-Juenn writes and edits poetry on unceded Wurundjeri land, and her writing has been published or is forthcoming in Meanjin, Antithesis, Landfall, Southerly, Scum Mag, and Going Down Swinging. She previously served as poetry editor at Voiceworks.

Board

  • Chair

    Kate is a performance maker, dramaturge, and facilitator specializing in collaboratively devised performance. She was the founding Artistic Director of Rawcus, leading the award-winning ensemble for 22 years (2000–2022). A long-time collaborator with Back to Back, Kate has contributed as a co-devisor, dramaturge, and director. She was also part of Arts House’s multiyear Refuge project, exploring the role of artists and cultural institutions during climate catastrophes. Kate lectures at the Victorian College of the Arts (Theatre) and is trained in group facilitation and mediation. Her relational, collaborative practice embraces complexity and diversity, aiming to fuel dreams, spark reflection, and amplify connection.

  • Treasurer

    Lou is a highly experienced strategic leader with more than 18 years’ experience in the performing arts and is passionate about connecting artists with audiences through the power of live performance, community engagement and the development of the next generation of artists and arts workers. She is the Executive Director of Sydney Dance Company, with previous roles including Director of Production & Events at Sydney Opera House, Create Infrastructure Senior Manager (Create NSW), General Manager of Circus Oz and Director of Operations of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

  • Board Member

    Alex Desebrock is an independent artist based Whadjuk Noongar land (Perth), Australia. Her work spans interactive theatre, live art, installations, online and public interventions. She is the lady behind Maybe ( ) Together and a founder of FLOCK.

  • Board Member

    With over 40 years of experience in the arts industry, Sue was also the Artistic Director of Polyglot Theatre from 2000 - 2022.  She is also currently both the Australian representative and President of ASSITEJ International – the global association of Theatre and Performance for Children and Young People – of which TNA is the Australian host and secretariat. In 2019 she was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

  • Board Member

    Carin is the Executive Producer of Hobart based Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE), and has an extensive background in the performing arts, film and television. After relocating from the UK she worked in a range of leadership, program and policy development roles for the Australia Council for the Arts from 1997 to 2015, including Director of Dance for seven years. Following this she was the Executive Director of Australian Plays - a national organisation providing essential services to playwrights and the Australian theatre industry.

    Carin is the Executive Producer of Hobart based Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE), and has an extensive background in the performing arts, film and television. After relocating from the UK she worked in a range of leadership, program and policy development roles for the Australia Council for the Arts from 1997 to 2015, including Director of Dance for seven years. Following this she was the Executive Director of Australian Plays - a national organisation providing essential services to playwrights and the Australian theatre industry.

  • Board Member

    Nithya is a contemporary performance maker, curator and researcher. She is also an equity and justice advocate and has worked for meaningful change in the arts here, and across the Asia Pacific. Nithya currently forms 1/4th of the South Asian artist collective H-ME W-RK, serves as a board member at Theatre Network Australia and is working on a range of independent projects. Her show NAYIKA: A Dancing Girl has its global premiere at Belvoir St Theatre in April 2024. Most recently, she was co-Artistic Director at Arts House and has previously held senior roles at Creative Australia, NIDA, and Leeds City Council. She holds an award-winning PhD in Performance Studies and lives between Australia and India, via Kuwait and the UK.

  • Board Member

    Anthony is Chief Executive/Executive Director at Country Arts SA. Working in regional contexts has broadened his outlook and understanding of his place in community. He is dedicated to championing First Nations peoples’ rights and celebrating the diversity of regional communities. And is driven by the stories of regional South Australia to create experiences that can’t be made anywhere else in the world.

  • Board Member

    Tim is the Executive Producer and Co-CEO of Back to Back Theatre in Geelong. Previously he was Creative Director and CEO of Chamber Made from 2013–2018 and led the fundraising for the rebuild of La Mama Theatre, following the devastating fire in 2018. He has also worked at Arts Centre Melbourne and Creative Partnerships Australia.

  • Board Member

    Lachlan is Director, Policy, Strategy and Governance with Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation. He has held executive and strategic advisory roles in the Victorian Public Service, leading policy design and implementation, and was previously a lawyer with Corrs Chambers Westgarth. He has also composed and performed music for theatre, having studied piano at the Melbourne Conservatorium.

  • Board Member

    Liesel Zink is an award-winning Independent choreographer of Ukrainian and German descent living in Meajin/Brisbane. Interested in the intersection of contemporary dance and community engagement she has developed and presented work around Australia, Asia and Eastern Europe using her artistic process as a means for artistic, cultural and intergenerational exchange. More broadly, Liesel is a dramaturge, facilitator, producer and advocate seeing her engage with a range of independent artists and organisations including Performing Lines, Force Majeure, Tasdance, LINK, Expressions Dance Company, M.A.D.E., Supercell, DRILL, Co3 Youth, and Stompin Youth.

Thank you

TNA acknowledges the vital contribution of former board members: Simon Abrahams (Co-founder & Chair 2010-2017), Görkem Acaroğlu, Sarah Austin (Co-founder), Caroline Bowditch, Maude Davey (Co-founder), Robyn Gawenda, Rose Godde (Co-founder), Ben Graetz, John Harvey, Andrea James, Catherine Jones, Lorraine Kambala (Observer), Harley Mann, Fiona Maxwell (Co-founder & Chair 2009-2010), Chris Mead, Cassie McGannon, Erin Milne (Co-founder), Alice Nash (Co-founder & Deputy Chair 2009-2017), Veronica Pardo, Sam Routledge, Emily Sexton, Jill Smith (Chair 2018 - 2022), Brad Spolding, Zainab Syed, Chris Thompson (Co-founder), Ann Tonks, Annette Vieusseux, Lyn Wallis and Geoffrey Williams (Co-founder).

Advisory Committees

ASSITEJ Advisory Committee

Sue Giles AM, Kevin du Preez, Lesley Graham, Fleur Kilpatrick, Fiona McDonald, Zoe Scrogings, and Che Skeen.

CaPT Advisory Committee

Chris Carlos, Adelaide Church, Georgia Deguara, Meredith Kitchen, Tony Rooke, Jasmine Straga, Lil Tulloch.

Members

Click here for a full list of TNA members bla bla bla.

Life Members

  • Life Member 2017
    Simon is a founding member of TNV – one of the Committee who established TNV as an 18 month sector development project. Simon was also Chair of the Board from 2010 to 2017.

  • Life Member 2017
    Sarah is a founding member of TNV – one of the committee who established TNV as an 18 month sector development project. Sarah was a member of the Board from its beginnings in 2009 until 2017.

  • Life Member 2023
    Nicole was TNA’s founding Executive Director for 15 years, starting with the organisation in 2009, developing it as a National organisation, and leaving at the end of 2023.

  • Life Member 2017
    Alice is a founding member of TNV – one of the committee who established TNV as an 18 month sector development project. Alice was also Deputy Chair of the Board from its beginnings in 2009 until 2017.

  • Life Member 2020
    Bethany was a highly respected staff member - Program Manager and Program Director - of TNA for six years from 2014 to 2020, and TNA’s ‘poet-in-residence’.

  • Life Member 2022
    Jill was a dedicated member of the Board for ten years from 2012 to 2022, including as Co-chair from 2018 and Chair from 2019 to 2022.

  • Life Member 2021
    Brad was a dedicated member of the Board from 2009-2010 and a returning board member from 2014 to 2021.

Donors

TNA would like to acknowledge and thank all of our generous donors who make our support for the independent sector possible.

  • Nicole Beyer
    Merlene Hutt
    Carin Mistry
    Lou Oppenheim
    Jono Perry
    Erin Taylor
    Dianne Toulson

  • Robyn Gawenda
    Sue Giles & Ian Pidd
    Neal Harvey
    Linda Herd
    Margot Storm
    Theatre Kimberley
    Cassie McGannon
    Lou Oppenheim
    Viv Rosman
    Nicholas Whymark

  • Thank you for entrusting us with your generous financial gifts in 2020 and 2021, including contributions towards 1000 x 1000: Crisis Cash for Artists

    Nicole Abadee
    Simon Abrahams
    May-Brit Akerholt
    Olivia Allen
    Lesley Alway
    Gillian Appleton
    Neil Armfield
    Pippa Bailey
    Katharine Baillieu
    Bill and Jen Barlow
    Wendy Becher
    Xanthe Beesley
    Meredith Bell
    Robert Benson
    Bek Berger
    Nicole Beyer
    Louise Bezzina
    Robyn Bishop
    Nancy Black
    Jenn Blake
    Rob Brookman
    Karilyn Brown
    Grainne Brunsdon
    James Buick
    Samantha Butterworth
    Hugh Chalmers
    Harriet Cheney
    Claudia Chidiac
    Lisa Clarke
    Rosie Clynes
    Jill Cochrane
    Georgie Coleman
    Janine Collins
    Lorraine Collins
    Emilie Collyer
    Jill Colvin
    Karla Conway
    Holly Cooper
    Sara Cowdell
    Michael Cowen
    David Cox
    Carol Crowe
    Jenna Davey-Burns
    Jenn Davies
    Rebecca Dean
    Rea Dennis
    Fiona DiBerardino
    Julian Di Bez
    Eva Di Cesare
    Rose de Jong
    Alexandra Donald
    Tessa Dorman
    Heather Dowling
    Annette Downs
    Selene Dudley-Bateman
    Kathryn Duncan
    Anne Dunn
    Mark Edmonds
    Keith Fagg
    Kate Ferguson
    Iain Finlayson
    Diane Fisher
    Stephen Fisher
    Anna Fishman
    Julie Fitzsimons
    Alan Fletcher
    Megan Fowler
    Jan Frolich
    Kath Fyffe
    Robyn Gawenda
    Virginia Gay
    Jesse Gerner
    Sue Giles
    Amrit Gill
    Bruce Gladwin
    Hilary Glow
    Judy Gold
    David Goodman
    Kraig Grady
    Clare Grant
    Christine Graunas
    Vivienne Halat
    Pei Wun Han
    Kharen Harper
    Gareth Hart
    Erin Hawthorne
    Linda Herd
    Louise Herron
    Janet Hiller
    Anne Holland
    Ritchie Hollands
    Jen Hooper
    Kathleen Lawler
    Michael Lawrence
    Jennifer Layther
    Allon Lee
    Susan Lee
    Simon Loffler
    Simone Lourey
    Robin Love
    Belinda Lui
    Fiona MacDonald
    Michael Mack
    Iain Martin
    Suellen Maunder
    Helen Maclaren
    Ben Magistrale
    Roland Manderson
    Andriana Mantzouranis
    Aaron Martin
    Alicia Marilyn Matthews
    Lisa McCready
    Aneke McCulloch
    Joel McGuinness
    Clare McKenzie
    Robyn McLeod
    Elizabeth Melbourne
    Dean Michael
    Patti Miller
    Carin Mistry
    Tom Molyneux
    Wendy Moore
    Stephen Morey
    Joanne Morrison
    Martina Murray
    Shahaan Murray
    Rose Myers
    Philip Myles Neri
    EJ Norvill
    Lauren ODwyer
    Lou Oppenheim
    Michaela Ottone
    Margaret Parker
    Katharine Parsons
    Eddie Paterson
    Steven Paul
    Pauline Peel
    Daniel Clarke and Nick Pelomis
    Sarah Penhall
    Bogart Phillips
    Natasha Phillips
    Julie Pinkham
    Jo Porter
    Mark Postlethwaite
    Rosalind Price
    Sumitra Puri
    Paul Rae
    Jerry Remkes
    Liz & Robert Reed
    Alison Richards
    Michael Richards
    Alison Richardson
    Damien Ricketson
    Megan Roberts
    Richard Roberts
    Ian Robertson
    Aqua Robins
    Vivien Robotham
    Carla Roebuck
    Viv Rosman
    Karen Ross
    Alison Russell
    Leigh Russell
    Charice Rust
    Catherine Ryan
    Kristen Ryan
    Katrina Sedgwick
    Julia Selby
    Rohini Sharma
    Nathan Sibthorpe
    Joseph Skrzynski
    Margot Smith
    Melanie Smith
    Natalie Smith
    Thomas Smith
    Cara Sputore
    Caroline Stacey
    Linda Stainton
    Geoff Street
    Jill Standfield
    Tim Stitz
    Janet Summers
    Augusta Supple
    Catherine Swallow
    Emily Sweeney
    Helen Symon
    Alicia Talbot
    Doris Tate
    Madeline Taylor
    Paul Terrell
    Carla Theunissen
    Jo Thomas
    Anne Thompson
    James Timmins
    Kathe Trigg
    Kristen Trollope
    Kimberley Twiner
    Robyn Vale
    Mary Vallentine AO
    Roslyn Varley
    Eliot Vogel
    Melynda von Wayward
    Sally Walasek
    Jonathan Wald
    Asher Warren
    Kaye Weeks
    Kerry Whannell
    Sam Wild
    Jessica Wilkinson
    Paul Williams
    Fiona Winning
    Amanda Wright
    Julie Wright
    Penny Wright
    Vanessa Wright
    Rebecca Yuen
    Bri Zammit
    1955
    ACTNatimuk
    Adelaide Festival Centre
    Adelaide Festival Corporation
    Annamilla Foundation
    Arts-in-Sync
    Australian Childhood Foundation
    Australian Talented Youth Project
    Back to Back Theatre
    Breathe, Move & Tone
    Brisbane Festival
    Chamber Made
    Circus Trick Tease
    COLUMBUS Group
    Dancehouse
    Dancenorth Australia
    Elbow Room
    Far and Away Productions
    Garage Project
    Gravity and other Myths
    GUTS Dance Central Australia
    Hothouse Theatre
    Ilbijerri Theatre Company
    Incite Arts
    Intimate Spectacle
    Kath Papas Productions
    Kestin Family Foundation
    La Mama Theatre
    Live Words NSW
    Martin Street and Associates
    Maybe ( ) Together
    Metro Arts
    MMPS
    Multicultural Arts Victoria
    Musical Theatre WA Incorporated
    National Touring Selector Country Arts SA
    not yet it’s difficult
    Novo Wealth
    Opera Queensland
    Outer Urban Projects
    Performing Lines
    Pixel Seed Fund
    Polyglot Theatre
    Punctum Inc
    RV Jordan Pty Ltd
    Theatre Network Australia (TNA)
    The Myer Foundation
    The Very Good Looking Initiative
    Board Members
    Vessel
    Windmill Theatre Co
    wreckedAllprods
    Anonymous x 75

Partners

Core Funding Partners

Supporters