Patch Theatre is excited to announce the appointment of Liz Hawkins as Chair of the Patch Theatre Board, taking over from current chair, Janet Worth, from February 2023. Liz Hawkins, the Executive Director of Advancement at University of Adelaide, brings extensive experience in theatre, most recently from her role as Director of Programming, Development and Venue Sales at Adelaide Festival Centre up until 2021.
Incoming Chair Liz Hawkins said: “I am delighted to join the Patch Board and support the talented team to continue to grow and strengthen the company. The work that Patch creates is exceptionally engaging and the impact they have on children is immeasurable. Every child deserves to experience the magic of Patch.”
Janet Worth leaves the role as chair in January 2023, with a big list of accomplishments throughout her successful nine-year tenure. During her time as chair, Janet oversaw key company changes including the departure of long-term Artistic Director Dave Brown and General Manager Christine Schloithe in 2016, the move from Odeon Theatre in 2017 under the direction of Naomi Edwards, and the appointment of the new leadership Geoff Cobham and Teena Munn in 2018. Janet has carefully guided the company through funding changes, development of an innovative program model and the challenges of a global pandemic. During Janet’s time at Patch, the company completed 50 tours, created ten new works, won multiple awards, performed to more than 360,000 attendees and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
General Manager Penny Camens said: “Janet has led a very effective Board to strategically support the operations of Patch Theatre during the last nine years. Janet’s generosity with her time and passion for Patch Theatre is so appreciated, and I’m personally very grateful for her support as I was learning the ropes as General Manager over the last two years.”
Retiring Chair Janet Worth said: “It has been a privilege working with the talented Patch staff and generous board, as such important work for young audiences is created and presented. Patch Theatre has shown extraordinary resilience and recovery in challenging times and in 2022 delighted over 56,000 children and families. I feel confident handing the leadership on to the highly accomplished Liz Hawkins. Her knowledge and experience will be vital in supporting the organisation as it continues to flourish.”
Liz will hit the ground running, with a big 2023 Program already underway, including a recent season of I Wish… at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Sea of Light touring the country and ZOOOOM touring to the USA and Canada. Meanwhile, Patch staff are preparing to relocate to a new Kent Town location in the coming weeks.