GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY TO FAREWELL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SAM STRONG

Griffin Theatre Company today announces the resignation of Artistic Director Sam Strong, who has accepted the role of Associate Artistic Director at Melbourne Theatre Company. Sam will program Griffin’s 2013 season, which is being announced on 3 September, and then finish up at the end of 2012.

On accepting Strong’s resignation, Griffin Theatre Company Chair Michael Bradley says, “Griffin’s loss is MTC’s gain. While we are very sad to be losing Sam, we are delighted he will be continuing to play a central role in shaping Australian theatre in his Melbourne home.

“Sam has delivered to Griffin everything we hoped and more. The company has enjoyed unprecedented critical success and audience growth, including several sold out productions. Griffin’s reach has continued to broaden with the introduction of innovative programs designed to further the company’s role as a nurturer of creative talent, and particularly new Australian writing which is of course our core. Taking a theatre company to new heights while remaining completely true to its ethos isn’t an easy task, but Sam has achieved that. He leaves Griffin positioned perfectly to continue its journey as Australia’s home of new theatrical writing and we are excited by the prospect of what lies ahead,” Bradley said.
Strong’s achievements as Artistic Director include:

· 60% audience growth from 2010 to 2012, with subscriptions more than doubling

· 40% growth in company’s turnover from 2010 to 2012

· Introduction of Griffin’s resident artist program, the Griffin Studio

· The creation of Griffin’s Festival of New Writing, which in 2012 includes the recent Lovely Ugly

· Major renovations of Griffin’s home, the SBW Stables Theatre

· Introduction of Griffin’s pioneering Between the Lines program, developing new audiences through cross art form events including the Angela’s Kitchen Spoon Hunt and Silent Disco’s foyer silent disco

· Sam also directed the sell-out productions of The Boys and Speaking in Tongues – which were the highest and third highest grossing shows at the SBW Stables Theatre in the company’s 32-year history.

On leaving the role he has fulfilled since 2010, Strong says, “This has been a very difficult decision for me. I am lucky to have been associated with the great company that is Griffin and have enjoyed my time here immensely. The SBW Stables is the most unique theatre space in Sydney and it has been a privilege to create work in it.

“Two years ago we set out to stage the highest quality theatre, to make the company as accessible as possible, and to reach wider and new audiences. I’m thrilled with what we have achieved on all fronts and thank everyone involved, from the passionate Griffin board and staff, to all our wonderful artists, and our cherished supporters and audiences. I am confident to be leaving the company in the excellent hands of General Manager Simon Wellington and Chair Michael Bradley. Now, I’m looking forward to getting back to work for the rest of the year at Griffin and to programming a stellar third and final season. Then, I am excited to return to Melbourne to contribute to the national theatrical conversation in a new era at the MTC.” Strong said.

Enquiries regarding recruitment of a new Artistic Director should be directed to Griffin General Manager Simon Wellington on 02 9332 1052.