Homegrown talent Daniel Evans appointed as Queensland Theatre Artistic Director

Celebrated Director, Theatre-maker and award-winning playwright Daniel Evans has been announced as Queensland Theatre’s new Artistic Director.

Queensland Theatre Chair Dean Gibson :

The appointment completes an extraordinary full circle journey for Evans, whose passion for theatre first sparked at Queensland Theatre 25 years ago.

Daniel Evans is synonymous with theatre in Queensland – and indeed Queensland Theatre and this appointment honours a collaborative partnership and artistic legacy that has flourished for over 20 years.

Dan’s incredible journey with Queensland Theatre began in 2000 when at just 16, he won our Young Playwrights Award with his witty, sharp debut, Opening A Fuzzwollop’s Frame of Mind. His raw talent was undeniable from the start, and since then, it’s only skyrocketed, captivating audiences and shaping the future of Australian theatre with every new work.

In 2014, his remarkable play Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore won the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, marking his mainstage playwriting debut at Queensland Theatre and reaffirming his unique voice in contemporary theatre.

His talent and accomplishments speak for themselves, yet we are certain that the most exciting chapters are still ahead.

As Associate Artistic Director and Associate Artist at Queensland Theatre, Evans has been the driving force behind many of the company’s standout works, including Medea, Vietgone, Drizzle Boy and The Almighty Sometimes, earning back-to-back ‘Best Production’ and ‘Best Director’ Matilda Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Driven by his passion for nurturing independent theatre-makers, Evans spearheaded the creation of Queensland Theatre’s successful Door 3 program, designed to offer local creatives the critical space, resources, and mentorship needed to bring their visionary projects to life.

The inaugural program garnered an overwhelming response, with 80 entries from emerging and established artists alike, leading to three public seasons at Queensland Theatre in 2024.

With a career spanning 20 years, Evans has collaborated with many of Queensland’s leading companies and organisations, including La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, MELT Festival, Digi Youth Arts, QMF, Metro Arts, and The Good Room, which he co-founded with actor Amy Ingram.

Queensland Theatre CEO Criena Gehrke described :

Evans’ appointment as a defining moment for both the company and the wider Queensland arts sector.

Dan’s appointment reflects our unwavering commitment, as a company, to Queensland artists and audiences.

“As Associate Artistic Director, Dan has championed programs that have increased our support for independent theatre makers and new Queensland stories. And he is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best directors; our audiences love his productions.

“In this leadership role, Dan will drive an even greater impact, shaping a vibrant future for theatre in our state.”

Evans described taking on the Artistic Director role as “a profound honour and incredible privilege”.

Evans :

I decided at aged 16 that this was the only place I wanted to be – making art for and with Queenslanders and sharing that art with the world

Theatre has the power to transform lives. I know this because it has continually transformed mine.

The greatest privilege of this role is ensuring that every person who steps into our theatre feels that same spark; that same sense of wonder and possibility.

The Hon. John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts:

Evans’ appointment as Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre signposted an exciting new chapter for the state’s theatre company.

It is fantastic to see a Queenslander in this key leadership role,” Minister Langbroek said.

I know Dan will forge an exciting creative future for the company, building new audiences and sharing compelling and important new work and platforms for emerging talent.

Evans :

Although tight-lipped on his plans for 2026 and beyond, Evans said his vision was for “a truly Queensland Theatre.

Working with Criena, the Queensland Theatre team and Board, I am committed to making Queensland Theatre a place where artists and arts workers are eager to play and equally free to soar, and where audiences will fall more in love with theatre with every visit

Evans will commence in the role immediately and will co-lead Queensland Theatre alongside CEO Criena Gehrke and Head of First Nations Theatre Isaac Drandic.

He will direct two of Queensland Theatre’s flagship productions in 2025; Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men. His inaugural season for the company will be unveiled in late 2025.