Olivia Allen has been appointed by the Board of Riverland Youth Theatre as the new Artistic Director and will start her new position on May 17.
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Olivia has academic qualifications in theatre & film and acting and directing, and has five years experience as a tutor and director in youth companies such St Martin’s Youth Theatre and the Children’s Performing Company of Australia as well as a guest tutor in secondary schools.
Olivia is the founder of the independent theatre company Ignite which has attracted a significant following from Victorian secondary school audiences with four productions included as part of the VCE Drama and Theatre Studies play list. Olivia has also worked extensively as an assistant director at the Malthouse and Melbourne Theatre Company.
“After attracting a numerous and diverse range of local, national and international applicants for the position, the board is pleased to announce Olivia Allan as the next director of the Riverland Youth Theatre," stated RYT Chair Micahel Pater.
"Olivia brings to the Riverland a vast range of experiences, including running her own theatre company and extensive involvement with major metropolitan youth theatre companies. We welcome Olivia to the position and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
"I am really excited about this opportunity to join the team at RYT - one of the longest running and largest regional youth theatre companies in Australia," enthused Ms Allen.
"Julie Waddington has done a superb job developing a creative program of workshops and productions during her time as the Artistic Director. I look forward to more exciting programs and contemporary youth performances in the future. And of course celebrating 25 years of RYT with you all soon."
Outgoing Artistic Director Julie Waddington will finish up on May 28 after more than three years in the position. She is moving to Tasmania to pursue new opportunities.
“Julie has been one of the outstanding Directors of the Riverland Youth Theatre," said Mr. Pater."She has strengthened the vision and operations of the company and given us a national profile. She has broadened the range of programs the company has provided for the community, provided a diverse range of high quality artists to work with the young people of the Riverland and has the respect of all the participants, parents and board members. It is our loss, but we wish Julie all the best for her future and thank her for her significant contribution to the Arts across the Riverland and the legacy of the thriving RYT she leaves behind.”
“Being the Artistic Director of RYT has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. I have loved becoming part of the community and working alongside so many passionate people. I am excited to be handing my position onto Olivia who is a highly skilled and inspiring theatre director,” said Artistic Director Julie Waddington.