The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) has announced that Kate Cherry will be stepping down from the role of Director and Chief Executive Officer this week.
The Chair of NIDA’s Board, Jennifer Bott AO, confirmed the move today.
‘Since her appointment to NIDA in November 2016, Kate has led Australia’s leading institution for education and training in the dramatic arts,’ Ms. Bott said. ‘Kate has an illustrious record as a theatre director and we appreciate the impact she has delivered at NIDA in key areas, including artistic leadership and engagement with alumni.’
‘Recently the NIDA Board has held a series of discussions with Kate regarding NIDA’s structure given our current and projected needs, and the management requirements and strategic planning any changes would entail. NIDA is moving away from its long-standing structure built around its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses, towards a studio-based model with greater focus on the disciplines within the dramatic arts. The studio-based model was developed by Kate in conjunction and collaboration with staff and students.’
‘This has impacted substantially on our organisational management demands. Kate has indicated to the Board that she would prefer to focus more on the creative side of her career and, for that reason, she has decided today to step down from her current role.’
‘We thank Kate for her valuable input and effort. Over the past two years, NIDA has risen to be ranked as number ten among the world’s top drama schools. The Board and management of NIDA wish her every success in her future endeavours.’
Ms. Bott said it was possible that Ms. Cherry would continue to serve NIDA in various creative capacities after leaving the leadership role.
Ms. Cherry said she would be departing NIDA proud of her achievements: ‘In my two years as CEO/Artistic Director I’ve accomplished a lot, and also learned a lot. It has been an incredible honour to lead and help guide an institution as storied as NIDA into the future. However after nine years with Black Swan and two years at an even more intense level with NIDA, I’m looking to rekindle my first love – directing and hands-on theatre production.’
‘NIDA have indicated that they are open to using my skills in directing and, for this reason, and with a lot of soul searching and discussions, I’ve decided to step down from the key functional management role at NIDA to pursue my collaborations in theatre, here in Australia and overseas.’
Ms. Cherry came to NIDA from Western Australia’s Black Swan Theatre Company where she was Artistic Director and Co-CEO for nine years, and oversaw the company’s transition to WA’s first state theatre company. Prior to that, she worked with the Melbourne Theatre Company and Playbox Theatre (now Malthouse).
Ms. Bott said the search for a new CEO of NIDA would begin shortly. Until an appointment is made, Ms. Bott will act as Executive Chair of NIDA supported by the current Executive team, management and teaching staff.
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