RED STITCH APPOINTS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Red Stitch Actors Theatre (Victoria) has announced the appointment of Ella Caldwell as its new Artistic Director. Ella Caldwell will commence her new role at Red Stitch Theatre in July succeeding David Whiteley who has decided to stand down after almost nine years.
Announcing the appointment today, Red Stitch Chairman Anthony Adair said: “Ella’s appointment marks a seamless generational change in the leadership of the company. David Whiteley was a founding member of the ensemble and has been instrumental in guiding and shaping the company to its established position in the Melbourne theatre scene. The Board looks forward to working with Ella, the ensemble and staff to take Red Stitch through the next stage of its growth and development. We are grateful that David will remain involved with the company over the next six months to assist in the transition.”
Ella is an established performer and founding member of Red Stitch and appeared in the company’s first production, Extremities, in 2002 and has since appeared in numerous Red Stitch productions including Yellow Moon, The Winterling, The Little Dog Laughed, Jack Goes Boating, Crestfall, Stop.Rewind, Oh Well Never Mind Bye, The Laramie Project - 10 Years Later and Midsummer.
Ella Caldwell said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the new Artistic Director for Red Stitch. The current ensemble is an exceptional group, a robust combination of new and long-term company members full of energy and ideas. We are as passionate as ever about our leadership in premiering remarkable writing – both from around the world, and through development in Red Stitch Writers – and bringing to these texts Red Stitch's characteristic honesty and grit.
“It is a gift to succeed David Whiteley as AD; he has been a wonderful advocate for the company and has led the ensemble with great skill and vision. Red Stitch’s current position is due in no small part to his dedication and foresight. I relish the opportunity, with ensemble and staff, to propel the company into an exciting new era.”
David Whiteley said: “It's been a privilege to have been a part of this company founded for and by actors. It has been an even greater privilege to represent this company and to help to steer it during its period of greatest growth whilst it was in the process of creating itself. I'm sincerely thankful for all the amazing experiences, working relationships and the lasting friendships it has given me. I am confident that the current ensemble, under the guidance of Ella Caldwell, will continue to deliver work of the highest standard - plays that entertain and enthrall a modern audience hungry for quality writing and performance.”
June 27, 2013
Red Stitch Season 2, 2013
Foxfinder by Dawn King
Australian Premiere
July 19 - August 17.
Straight by DC Moore
Australian Premiere
August 31 - September 28
Roam by Adam Cass
World Premiere
October 11 - November 9
NSFW by Lucy Kirkwood
Australian Premiere
November 22 - December 21