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Union House Theatre farewells Susie Dee as Tom Gutteridge returns to Melbourne to take up the role of Artistic Director.

After five years, Susie Dee finishes her post as Artistic Director of Union House Theatre. During her appointment at UHT, Susie was instrumental in supporting and presenting new and innovative student theatre. Her directorial credits in the role ranged from the American musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, the debut of student written work Rage Boy and the dynamic Attempts on Her Life , and included a 2007 Green Room Award for her highly acclaimed direction of Jack Hibberd’s White With Wire Wheels.

It is with great pleasure that Union House Theatre welcomes new Artistic Director Tom Gutteridge. A former Melbourne University and VCA graduate himself, Tom has more than twenty years experience in the performing arts as a director, actor, dramaturg, composer, devisor and teacher.

Tom returns to Melbourne from four years as Artistic Director of Black Swan Theatre Company, Perth, where he directed more than 10 plays including the World Premieres of Jandamarra at the 2008 Perth Festival and The Carnivores, a new version of Uncle Vanya by Reg Cribb and an award winning production of The Crucible.

His other directing work includes the World Premieres of Birthrights (MTC) and Charitable Intent (La Mama/MIAF) both by David Williamson, The Sound Garden (Oz Opera, Opera Queensland and West Australian Opera), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (WAAPA) and Company (VCA School of Drama). Tom was Artistic Associate at Queensland Theatre Company from 1996 – 2001 where he directed for both the mainstage and Education Program. Highlights included The Forest (starring Bille Brown and Geraldine Turner) and Vertigo & the Virginia (World Premiere).

On his artistic vision for Union House Theatre in 2009, Tom says, ‘I’m excited about the role I’m taking on. Melbourne University student theatre is a force to be reckoned with and I am looking forward both to leading and to being led by this generation of culture makers. Theatre is about making connections, working through collaboration and being open to the new and unexpected so I’m keen to welcome students from all backgrounds to Union House Theatre. My belief is that the process of making good theatre is always rigorous and challenging, but also totally fun. And students are better than anyone at doing those things at the same time.’