New Chief Executive announced for Critical Stages Touring

Sydney-based Critical Stages Touring has a goal to make outstanding live theatre accessible to audiences throughout Australia and has named Robbi James as their new Chief Executive and Director.

Chair of Critical Stages Touring (CST), Mark Thomas shared “we are delighted that Robbi has accepted our offer to become the CEO/Director of Critical Stages Touring.

“After an exhaustive process, the board is convinced that Robbi is the right person at the right time at this stage in the company’s development. His ideas for the future of Critical Stages Touring will breathe some fresh air into our offer and the sector. I look forward to what the future holds.”

Critical Stages Touring has a vision to enable regional communities to have the same access to high quality theatre as metropolitan audiences, and to foster a sustainable and diverse national independent theatre sector. They support outstanding theatre makers to achieve their touring ambitions and regional presenters to achieve their audience development and cultural goals.

James steps into the role after four years as the company’s Marketing and Engagement Manager, during which time he also helped establish independent production house Rogue Projects as its Executive Creative Producer.

Prior to joining CST, James enjoyed a successful career across media, retail, communications and business development. He completed a Masters of Arts Management at the Sydney Opera House with the Australian Institute of Music in 2018.

Working closely with the CST team in Sydney, James is tasked with leading the organisation and shaping the development of strategies that contribute to the company’s sustainability, and the sustainability of the broader small and medium theatre sector.

Commenting on his appointment, James added “‘Critical Stages Touring plays a vital role in the nation’s independent theatre ecology, most importantly in venues and communities in regional, remote and rural Australia. I’m deeply passionate about the quality and potential of independent storytellers, and I’m looking forward to building on CST’s amazing production history to continue bringing new experiences to audiences everywhere.”

Thomas thanked Scarlet McGlynn, who has been acting in the role of Chief Executive at Critical Stages Touring for the past four months.

Robbi James commences his new role with Critical Stages Touring immediately.

More on Critical Stages Touring at criticalstages.com.au/