Belvoir Theatre Appoints New Director

Belvoir Theatre Appoints New Director
Image: Amy McCarthy

Belvoir Theatre has announced the appointment of Aaron Beach to the role of Executive Director at Belvoir, taking the reins from Sue Donnelly.

Donnelly had helmed the company for the past five years helping it to a record breaking number of Helpmann Awards, and more importantly keeping the company alive through the past two years of COVID challenges.

Sue will take on the newly created role of Executive Producer for the next six months, and will spearhead a number of exciting projects, including an international tour.

Eamon Flack, Belvoir’s Artistic Director said “Sue is a rock, and Belvoir is still standing today because of her tireless, ferocious love of this company. Her achievements are major: she has stabilised the company, built the unprecedented coalition that delivered Counting And Cracking, and steered us through COVID. Her support and mentorship for the staff has been exemplary, and I include myself there. Her love of the art and the artists is real-deal, and it’s matched only by her appetite for a negotiation or an ambitious project. She has been a champion for Belvoir since its earliest days, and we’re lucky she is sticking around for the next big Belvoir undertaking.”

As Deputy Executive Director and Senior Producer, Aaron Beach has been working closely with Sue in the delivery of landmark Belvoir favourites including Counting And Cracking, Barbara And The Camp Dogs, Packer and Sons and FANGIRLS.

Sue Donnelly says “Belvoir is a company very close to my heart. I’m so proud of what the whole Belvoir team has achieved over the past five years. It’s been like a very fast roller-coaster ride with countless highs and lows; navigating tight corners, but always managing to stay on the tracks through sheer tenacity.

“I’m very happy to continue as Executive Producer at Belvoir, concentrating on specific projects, and working with Aaron and Eamon, and the fabulous Belvoir board.

“I really can’t think of a better person to take over as Executive Director than Aaron. He is a committed theatre person with great instinct, loads of energy and a sense of adventure. He will steer Belvoir to new heights, I’m sure.”

Eamon Flack says “Aaron’s leadership style has a touch of magic about it and I’m excited that he’s stepping up into the Executive Director role. Running Belvoir takes real sympatico between the Artistic Director and the Executive Director. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy that sympatico with Sue, and Aaron and I are already hand-in-glove after working closely together for the last five years. Part of Aaron’s magic is his low-key ability to let good relations and good ideas do all the work. His previous work for Bangarra and a variety of small-to-medium companies means that he carries the kind of grassroots trust and goodwill that Belvoir needs to stay true. His appointment is good news for artists, audiences, staff and our fellow companies”.

Ahead of starting his new position next week, Aaron Beach said “I am honoured to be taking the role of Executive Director following the outstanding contribution of Sue Donnelly, whose commitment and dedication to Belvoir, and the broader arts sector is nothing short of inspirational. Her exceptional guidance and support for the company’s ambitions has been unwavering.

“I look forward to working closely with our visionary Artistic Director Eamon Flack, the Belvoir Board and staff. I am excited about building relationships with the broader Belvoir community of artists, audiences, and adding to the foundation of stories that have come to life at Belvoir.

“The strength of our company is in the tremendous calibre of people who come together to make the work happen, from the creative artists, our staff, board members and front of house and bar staff. I couldn’t be more pleased to be leading such a great team.”

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