STC appoints new director of Programming and Artistic Operations

The Sydney Theatre Company has announced that Rachael Azzopardi will be joining its senior management team in the newly created role of Director, Programming and Artistic Operations.

Azzopardi is set to join the STC from late February 2012, fresh from her last position as the Executive Producer of leading Australian contemporary dance company Chunky Move.

The role of Director, Programming and Artistic Operations at STC is a new one which replaces the former role of Executive Producer.

General Manager of the Sydney Theatre Company Patrick McIntyre said, “This role is at the centre of STC’s programming and planning. Rachael’s producing smarts, broad industry experience, ebullient energy and exceptional address book will prove an enormous asset to the company. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming her aboard.”

Azzopardi’s work at Chunky Move dance company saw her build relationships with international arts organisations like BAM New York, Edinburgh Festival and Venice Biennale. She also oversaw a rapid period of growth in the company’s domestic creative, performance, touring and educational programs.

The Sydney Theatre Company are sure to benefit from Azzopardi’s expertise, which ranges from managerial experience in the subsidised arts sector to working as Company Administrator on Disney’s The Lion King and Associate Producer on IMG’s Oliver, Miss Saigon and Cabaret..

“Rachael will be part of the programming team, and as head of artistic operations is in charge of realising Andrew [Upton] and Cate [Blanchett]’s 2013 program”, a spokesperson for the STC told AussieTheatre.com yesterday.

Rachael Azzopardi said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Sydney Theatre Company as Director, Programming and Artistic Operations. The chance of returning to Sydney and being part of the team of Australia’s premier theatre company, Sydney Theatre Company is an honour and an opportunity of a lifetime.

Image source: http://www.migration.sa.gov.au/