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Black Swan Theatre Company has commenced the search for a new Artistic Director to lead it into a new era as the Company takes up residency in the New Performing Arts Venue in 2009.
 
The move to the new theatre will mark an important milestone for Black Swan in its role as Western Australia’s State Flagship Theatre Company, providing an exciting challenge for an Artistic Director of vision and commitment.  
 
Current Artistic Director Tom Gutteridge, who has led the Company since 2004, has steered it through a challenging period of growth to its confirmation as State Flagship Theatre Company. As a Director, he has been responsible for a number of fine productions, including a stylish Western Australian interpretation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, the World Premiere of Ian Wilding’s critically acclaimed The Carnivores and a sell-out production of the 20th century classic, The Crucible.
 
He has continued the Company’s ongoing focus on commissioning and developing new work, including the magical re-telling of the archetypal Pilbara tale of Red Dog in 2006. And his strong commitment to artist development has been shown in his shaping of the Be Active BSX Theatre HotBed program over the past two years. Providing professional development opportunities for a number of Perth’s most talented young artists, the program’s success has been shown in the number of its members who are moving on to mainhouse engagements with the Company.   
 
Mr. Gutteridge will hand over the reins to his successor in early 2008, to allow them time to plan the Company’s first season in the New Performing Arts Venue. However he will also direct two major productions for Black Swan as part of the 2008 season.
 
On his time spent with BSTC, Mr Gutteridge said, “It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead Black Swan over this period of great change. I’ll miss the wonderful WA artists I have worked with and the audiences who have come to our shows, but I’m confident that the company is well placed to make the most of the New Performing Arts Venue and to forge ahead as WA’s flagship theatre company.  I’d like to thank the wonderful staff and Board of Black Swan for their support and ideas. I’m looking forward to new challenges and developing my own projects but I hope I’ll be back from time to time.”
 
Board Chair Richard Duldig commented, “On behalf of the Board and the team at Black Swan, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Tom for the significant contribution he has made to the artistic direction of the Company. During his four year stay, Tom has led the Company artistically through challenging and changing times. He will be leaving it in a strong position and we acknowledge his role in that.
 
This is now an exciting opportunity for a new Artistic Director to join Black Swan and to steer it forward on its journey in meeting the Company’s obligations as the State Flagship Theatre Company in the new theatre.”