OUR PEOPLE
THE BOARD
Aaron Beach - Chair
Manoj Anand - Treasurer
Travis De Vries
Nicole Hercus
Jessica Iuliano
Mitch King
Craig Milburn
Karen Patterson
Michelle Pearce
THE TEAM
Antonia Seymour, Executive Director
Antonia brings to Arts on Tour a rich knowledge of the performing arts sector and touring, having worked at producing companies large and small, from Sydney Dance Company to Urban Theatre Projects, as well as London’s Lyric Hammersmith and Performing Lines. Over her 20-year career in the sector she has held senior roles in producing, marketing and development. An alumna of Social Leadership Australia’s Sydney Leadership program and Australia Council’s Emerging Leadership Program, Antonia has a deep interest in the social impact of arts experiences and working collaboratively to affect change.
Why AOT?
"I grew up in a small town where going to the theatre meant being opened up to whole new worlds and possibilities. This potential impact is still my driving motivation, just with more questions attached: whose and what stories are we telling and who are they relevant to? What do they say about our national psyche? In a way touring is the coalface of our industry – where it really matters, or doesn’t matter at all, depending on what kind of a job we do."
Sara Richardson, Senior Program Manager Touring
Joining the Arts on Tour team in 2015, Sara is an Arts Administrator with a broad range of industry experience and a love of the performing arts. Before AOT she worked at the City Recital Hall with a range of artists and companies on the planning and delivery of productions, concerts and events, and she continues to work at the Sydney Opera House as a Theatre Manager. With a background in visual arts, Sara has also worked in the visual arts sector for festivals, galleries and site-specific projects.
Why AOT?
"The idea of linking the country together by travelling stories to different audiences appeals to my passion for accessibility and community – ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience different art forms. The best thing about working at Arts on Tour is being a part of helping make this happen!"
Patrick Howard, Program Manager Touring
Patrick has worked for the better part of a decade as a freelance theatre artist with a particular passion for queer, political, devised, musical and documentary theatre. He has directed, performed, production/company/stage managed, sound designed, composed and been an artistic associate for companies including PYT Fairfield, Force Majeure, Performance Space, Sydney Opera House, ATYP, Contemporary Asian Australian Performance, Little Triangle, Red Line Productions and New Theatre. He has also created and produced his own work. Before studying theatre-making and performance, Patrick first trained at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, graduating with Honours.
Why AOT?
"I grew up in regional NSW at a time and place where seeing professional theatre or dance meant a long, expensive trip to the city. Working for Arts on Tour gives me the opportunity to help ensure audiences in regional NSW have access to brilliantly executed performances, diverse stories and transformational theatrical experiences right on their doorstep, as well as the opportunity to come together as a community to practice empathy."
Kate Gaul, Project Manager
Kate has a wealth of experience working as a freelance theatre director and producer. She has been the Festival Director of World Interplay, Play Festival Canberra, and Invisible Circus – a festival of female-led theatre. Kate’s directing credits include plays, opera, physical theatre, devised works and classics. She is also Artistic Director/Producer of Siren Theatre Co, where her passion is for text-based drama that challenges artists and audiences to have bold, imaginative experiences.
Why AOT?
"I grew up in Tasmania and touring performing arts were extremely influential in my life and choice of career. Australian companies like Playbox and Sydney Dance Company shaped my taste and appetite for Australian stories. The shared experience of sitting in a darkened theatre and the struggle with eternal questions excites me still."
Cath Wadling, Marketing and Administration Manager
Cath has worked across a range of creative sectors including printing, publishing, festivals, film and television, marketing and design. She spent 6 years in London working in film and television production, including Wall Television and Compulsive Viewing. On returning to Australia she was part of the original team at Icon Film Distribution and most recently was Studio Manager at an arts and entertainment design agency. Her happy place is working with creative people, helping to facilitate and realise their vision. Cath has a love of film, photography, art, theatre and dance.
Why AOT?
"Storytelling, in its many forms, gives us an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others. It can thrill and surprise, entertain and make us question things. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with creatives across theatre, dance and performance and at the same time connect with and learn about many regional communities via our presenters."
Victor Kalka, Touring Coordinator
Victor has worked as a freelance director, designer and producer in Sydney since graduating from AIM Dramatic Arts in 2014. He has worked at with a range of companies including Redline Productions, Sport for Jove, Kings Cross Theatre, Academy of Film, Television and Theatre, New Theatre. Since 2019 Victor has produced his own work under the banner of his theatre company, Virginia Plain, presenting Australian premieres and reimagined classics.
Why AOT?
“I grew up in regional Tasmania and touring productions from the mainland were some of the only exposure I got to professional theatre. Highlights of my school year were piling onto a bus and traveling to Launceston to see that year’s Bell Shakespeare. It opened my eyes to what was possible to do on stage, and also that it was possible to have a career in the arts.”
