Wendy McCarthy AO, Chair of the Circus Oz Board, announced today that Linda Mickleborough will be leaving the position of General Manager at the end of this year.
Linda said: "It has been an incredible adventure to be a part of this iconic company and a pleasure and a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional performers, administrators, technicians, front of house staff and Board Members who are Circus Oz. I would like to particularly acknowledge the strength of the creative collaboration with my fellow Executive members Artistic Director, Mike Finch and founding member Tim Coldwell."
Wendy McCarthy paid tribute to Linda's vision for the company: "Linda is a creative, talented, compassionate General Manager who has embraced and managed change throughout her time at Circus Oz. As well as being an outstanding General Manager she is a joy to work with."
Linda took on the position of General Manager in late 1993, at a time when the company had very few full-time employees and was in a somewhat precarious financial position. During her time in the role she has worked with her colleagues and the Board to build an organisation that now employs the equivalent of forty full-time people including thirteen performing artists, and has a substantial working capital reserve.
Linda has overseen the mounting of Circus Oz Big Top and theatre seasons in all Australian capitals, many regional centres, Indigenous communities in Cape York, Palm Island and the Kimberley, and international seasons in conjunction with partners in North America, South America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia. These seasons have built the total Circus Oz audience to more 3 million people. In addition, her time at Circus Oz has seen the development of the Circus Oz Classes, High Flying Teams and Indigenous programs.
In recent years Linda has led the charge to secure a purpose-built home for Circus Oz. The new home in Collingwood will contribute to a vibrant future for the company, allowing for improved creative conditions, a cabaret venue in the Circus Oz Spiegeltent and the expansion of classes, High Flying Teams and community activities.
Mike Finch said "I've enjoyed 15 years of collaboration, co-operation and fun with Linda and I've learnt a huge amount from her during that time. She has been central to how the company has developed and has been a custodian and advocate of our unique culture. Linda will be really missed, as will her deep commitment and belief in Circus Oz and who we are."
Tim Coldwell said "I've loved working with Linda in all her roles at Circus Oz over the past 26 years. We've had a fabulous time touring Australia and the world together. It is sad to see her leave, but she is leaving Circus Oz in a strong position and we are looking forward to an exciting future."
Linda said: "Now that the design for the new home has been completed and building is about to start, it is the right time to hand over to the next General Manager of Circus Oz, so that they can be involved in the planning for the move to Collingwood at the end of 2013 and the next exciting stage in the company's development. I look forward to cheering from the sidelines as Circus Oz goes from strength to strength!"
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