Ian Michael Awarded 2022 Richard Wherrett Fellowship

Sydney Theatre Company has announced that emerging theatre director Ian Michael has been awarded the 2022 Richard Wherrett Fellowship.

Named for STC’s founding Artistic Director, the Richard Wherrett Fellowship is a year-long opportunity for emerging directors to gain experience and mentorship while being embedded within Sydney Theatre Company.

A proud Noongar man, Ian has carved out a career as an actor, director and writer following his graduation from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, working for leading arts companies across Australia including Black Swan State Theatre Company, Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Malthouse, Melbourne Theatre Company and Yirra Yaakin. He was a Resident Artist at Black Swan from 2018 – 2020 and their Artistic Associate in 2021.

Ian worked with STC in 2020 as Assistant Director on Kip Williams’ adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray and returned as Assistant Director to Shari Sebbens for The 7 Stages of Grieving in 2021. This year, Ian will again work as Assistant Director on The Picture of Dorian Gray , as well as other projects in Act 2 of STC’s 2022 Season, which will be announced in February.

STC Artistic Director Kip Williams says he is thrilled to welcome Ian to the Company as an invaluable addition to the day-to-day artistic life of STC.

“It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be welcoming Ian to STC as our new Richard Wherrett Fellow,” Williams said. “In his short affiliation with the Company thus far, Ian has done some incredible work and I cannot wait to see him continue to develop and flourish as a director.”

Ian said it was an honour to be joining Sydney Theatre Company.

“As a Noongar man, I am proud to be part of a Company that is committed to the development and programming of First Nations work and artists, and is at the forefront of creating inclusive conversations, action, and spaces for artists and audiences both on and off stage.”