Jigsaw Theatre Company is pleased to announce that in 2010 it will be transitioning to a new model of operation to increase opportunities for the company to support high quality professional theatre for young audiences in the ACT.

The new model will see the appointment of an Artistic Directorate, who will blend national professional expertise whilst maintaining a balance of skills that are essential to delivering high quality theatre for young people.

With a commitment to developing work that speaks with a uniquely Canberran voice, the Directorate will work collaboratively with the Board and Jigsaw’s General Manager, Rohan Shearn, to facilitate the delivery of the company's local and national projects.

Chairman of Jigsaw, Andrew Lu OAM, says

'Our Board and key stakeholders unanimously support this new dawn for our company, as we respond to current sector trends and opportunities to broaden our access to national networks.’

‘Jigsaw enjoys a strong and respected brand that is 36 years old; the Board's role as custodians of that brand is to ensure that it maximises its reach and maintains the high quality of artistic work that underpins Jigsaw's identity'.

'Jigsaw has grown and evolved with the City of Canberra, and many of our alumni are firmly embedded in the local and national arts community. We want to ensure that their legacy may continue to flourish and inspire young Australians through the gift of professional theatre, within a framework of good governance and in a sustainable way'.

'We are always on the lookout for new opportunities to partner and to innovate, and the Artistic Directorate is one such opportunity'.

Jigsaw is proud of its impact creating new theatre performances in the ACT and beyond. Whether on tour, in theatres or in local schools where we regularly perform our work, Jigsaw is proud to partner with the ACT Government as a Key Arts Organization. It is a vital part of the professional arts landscape of our national capital.

As a local company with a national focus, we are committed to responding to the needs of young people. As the new Australian curriculum is introduced to the ACT and to schools across the country, we are working with educators and other stakeholders to ensure that we continue to create and deliver work that is linked to the curriculum and responds to current learning objectives.

Expressions of interest for appointments to the Directorate are now open, and close on Friday 21 May 2010 – 5.00pm.