Veteran Helpmann Awards Executive Producer resigns, Liza McLean steps up

Executive Producer Jon Nicholls has decided to bring down the curtain after seven years at the helm of the Helpmann Awards to pursue other projects.

“We salute Jon for his outstanding contribution to the show over the past seven years,” said Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia, Evelyn Richardson.

“His professionalism and long standing commitment have been quite extraordinary. We very much look forward to Monday evening’s show which we know will be wonderful.

As always, it will be a big night celebrating our industry and all those who work within it.”

Jon Nicholls, who has been closely involved in the Helpmann Awards since their inception in 2001, took up the mantle as Executive Producer in 2006. Liza McLean, whom Nicholls had been grooming for the position for several years as Associate Producer will take on the Executive Producer role.

“We are delighted to welcome Liza aboard for the next phase of the Helpmanns journey. Liza has worked with us for several years on the show and we very much look forward to her bringing a new vision and energy to the Awards”, said Richardson.

The 2012 Helpmann Awards will be hosted at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House on Monday 24 September, and will be broadcast exclusively the following night on Australia’s arts and entertainment channel STUDIO – channel 132 on Foxtel.  Watch the full ceremony on Tuesday 25 September at 8.30pm.

Tickets are on sale to the general public and can be purchased from the Sydney Opera House Box Office.