The Canberra Theatre Centre’s new director Alex Budd (centre), with Richelle Brookman (GWB Entertainment) and acting Theatre Centre director Gill Huggonet at the recent West Side Story launch. Photo: Supplied.
The newly appointed director of the Canberra Theatre Centre, Alex Budd, says he is honoured to be joining the team at such a pivotal time in its history.
The announcement was made by the chief executive officer of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, Harriet Elvin, on 12 November.
Mr Budd said the Canberra Theatre Centre holds a special place in his heart. He was first taken to productions at Canberra Theatre as a child, and it was there he was offered his first job in the arts.
“Now to return to Canberra with my family and lead the Centre through the next phase of its development is a dream come true,” Mr Budd said.
Ms Elvin said the Theatre Centre’s new director was an outstanding candidate from a strong field of applicants from Australia and overseas.
“We are delighted to welcome him back as director to the venue where he started his career in the performing arts. This is an exciting time for the Canberra Theatre Centre, with a major new theatre identified in the ACT Infrastructure Plan as a priority project in next five years, and Alex is the ideal person to lead the Centre during this period of change and growth.”
Mr Budd worked as a technician at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 1993 to 1997 before pursuing roles in the theatre industry nationally and internationally, including with Sydney Dance Company, at the Royal Opera House in London, and with Opera Australia where he has held a series of senior executive roles.
His current position is executive producer of touring and commercial operations at Opera Australia.
Ms Elvin said that Mr Budd would bring a range of high-level skills and attributes to the role, including a collaborative leadership style, artistic sensibility, commercial acumen, and an extensive network of national and international contacts in the performing arts.
Ms Elvin also paid tribute to outgoing director Bruce Carmichael for his major contribution to the performing arts, not only in Canberra but also in Australia and overseas.
Gill Hugonnet is currently acting in the director role while Mr Carmichael is on leave pending retirement.
Mr Budd will commence as director on 3 February 2020. Until then, Ms Hugonnet will continue acting in the position.
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