Fraser Corfield takes over as ATYP leader

Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) has announced the appointment of Fraser Corfield as its new Artistic Director.

Corfield will commence in the role on February 2, 2009, taking over from Timothy Jones who has been Artistic Director for the past five and a half years and is now off to the Seymour Centre.

36-year-old Corfield is currently Artistic Director of Backbone Youth Theatre in Brisbane. As Queensland’s leading youth theatre company, Backbone provides an extensive range of workshops and productions for young people up to 26 years of age.

He has previously worked as Artistic Director of Riverland Youth Theatre and Artistic Associate at La Boite Theatre, and is currently on the Australia Council’s Theatre Board.

"We are delighted to welcome Fraser Corfield to guide ATYP through its next important phase of growth," said ATYP Chair Antoinette Albert.

"Under Timothy Jones and his predecessor David Berthold, ATYP has consolidated its reputation over the last decade as Australia’s flagship youth theatre company. By providing a wide range of opportunities to participate in quality theatre experiences, we aim to inspire and transform young lives as well as enrich communities across
Australia.

"We are very excited by Fraser’s vision for the company, and in particular his understanding of the need for performing arts participation amongst young people in remote and disadvantaged communities, which is an increasingly important aspect of our work at ATYP."

Established over 40 years ago, ATYP has Nicole Kidman as its Patron and Baz Luhrmann as Ambassador, both ATYP alumni.

The company runs an extensive program of theatre workshops and productions for ages three to 26, giving young people the opportunity to work alongside Australia’s leading theatre artists.

This year ATYP staged an acclaimed production of VX18504 at Carriage Works, directed and choreographed by Meryl Tankard.

In 2008 the company also continued its vital long-term youth theatre programs in Tennant Creek, Palm Island and Hay in regional NSW.

Corfield said he was looking forward to taking over the top job.

"It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to lead this unique Australian
company," he said.

"I am looking forward to furthering ATYP’s reputation for allowing children and young people across Australia the chance to collaborate with some of our country’s most respected theatre makers."

ATYP is currently taking enrolments for its popular Summer Holiday Workshop program in Sydney, as well as auditioning for a new eight month intensive program for young artists aged 18 to 26.