February 28, 2014

The New Zealand Dance Company is pleased to announce Melanie Esplin as the newly appointed General Manager for the national contemporary dance company.

Esplin’s international pedigree covers an extensive career in non-profit and arts arenas as both an actress and musician, and notably as an arts administrator.

Although born in New Zealand, Esplin has spent most of working career in the United States, the last 20 years based in Chicago.

She has served as Managing Director at “HealthWorks Theatre” of Chicago, General Manager of “Next Theatre” in Evanston, and worked in the Subscription Department at “Steppenwolf Theatre”. Business Manager at “About Face Theatre Collective” and Executive Director of “Striding Lion Performance Group” are just some of her credits amidst the vast experience listed on her resume.

Esplin is delighted to return home and happily accepts the challenge of taking this already successful, yet only newly established national dance company into a secure future. Says Esplin, “In the past 20 years, I have been privileged to work with many well respected and prestigious arts organisations. I return to New Zealand with an international vision and a fresh perspective, and know that, with the talented team at NZDC, the innovations and successful business and marketing strategies I have experienced and employed in the US will meet with success here. The quality and high calibre of NZDC’s performance gives me the confidence that the company’s future is very bright.”

Company co-founder and Chief Executive/ Artistic Director Shona McCullagh couldn’t be more delighted that Esplin has decided to return home and join the NZDC team.

“We are global kiwis but finding a New Zealander with such interesting international experience to be our new General Manager feels like a one in a million chance” explains McCullagh. “A candidate of Melanie’s calibre is such a gift, and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to gain from her extensive knowledge and skills and benefit from her successful leadership attributes. It’s wonderful that NZDC can provide great opportunities for not only our artists but also arts managers to grow.”

Esplin’s appointment coincides with the first overseas tour of The New Zealand Dance Company where they were invited to perform at the acclaimed Holland Dance Festival. The company will have a brief moment to celebrate the success of their first international outing, before beginning intensive rehearsals in preparation for the “Language of Living” New Zealand national tour in May.

As the new General Manager, Esplin will also enjoy being based in the brand new offices and custom-made dance rehearsal space of the recently opened Wellesley Studios in central Auckland, where The New Zealand Dance Company are fortunate to be Resident Company.

For further information contact:
Helen Goudge, Marketing & Publicity
helengoudge@nzdc.org.nz
027 8469 413

Melanie Esplin, General Manager
The New Zealand Dance Company
113 Wellesley St West, Auckland City
09 378 7361