December 18, 2007

DOWNSTAGE DIRECTOR ENDS HER TERM  

Catherine Downes, Director of Downstage, announced today that she would be leaving her position on 31 December 2007. This is the end of her contracted two-year appointment and she has decided not to seek renewal. However Catherine will continue at Downstage as Acting Artistic Director until 31 March 2008.

Catherine Downes said "I have been privileged with a fantastic and challenging position as Director of Downstage since January 2006, and I am gratified to see the enhanced audience numbers at Downstage during this period. I am proud to have been associated with two years of critically‑acclaimed productions at this precious theatre. Downstage is a fantastic Wellington institution".

"I intend to take some time out and then probably some free-lance directing and acting work."

During the 2006 and 2007 two-year period, Downstage presented a total of 25 shows, of which 12 were produced or co-produced by the theatre itself. Paid audience numbers increased to 30,000 in 2006 and to approximately 28,000 in 2007.

Wishing her well for the future, Downstage Board Chairman Tom Hardy stated that the shows produced by Catherine were universally appreciated.

General Manager Andrew Thomson will manage the organisation while the Board considers replacement options.