Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 Annual Report 2014

4 Vision, Purpose, Goals 56 Literary 6 2014 Achievements Literary Director’s Report 8 Board of Management 58 Cybec Electric 10 Chairman’s Report MTC is a department of the University of 12 Artistic Director’s Report 60 Education 14 Executive Director’s Report Education Manager’s Report 16 Development Director’s Report 62 Education Production 18 Government Support Yellow Moon and Sponsors 64 Education Production 20 Leading and Supporting Donors Marlin 66 Education Workshops and MTC Headquarters 22 2014 Mainstage Season Participatory Events 252 Sturt St 24 Private Lives Southbank VIC 3006 26 Cock 68 NEON: Festival of 03 8688 0900 28 Neighbourhood Watch Independent Theatre 30 Ghosts 69 Little Ones Theatre Southbank Theatre 32 The Speechmaker 70 Angus Cerini / Doubletap 140 Southbank Blvd 34 Glengarry Glen Ross 71 Antechamber Productions Southbank VIC 3006 36 The Effect & Daniel Keene 03 8688 0800 38 The Sublime 72 Arthur 40 Once 73 Sans Hotel mtc.com.au 42 I’ll Eat You Last 74 NEON Up Late: MKA 44 Pennsylvania Avenue 75 NEON EXTRA Venues Throughout 2014 MTC performed its Melbourne season of plays at 46 Add-on Productions 78 Employment Southbank Theatre, The Sumner and The Lawler, Big Bad Wolf Actors and Artists 2014 and the Fairfax Studio and Playhouse at . 48 Complexity of Belonging 80 MTC Staff 2014

Managing Editor Virginia Lovett 50 MTC on Tour 82 Financial Report Graphic Designer Helena Turinski 84 Key Performance Indicators Cover Image Jeff Busby 52 Awards and Nominations 87 Board of Management Declaration Production Photographers Jeff Busby, Heidrun Löhr 88 Audit Certificate 54 Open Door 90 Financial Statement Cover The Speechmaker: , Nicholas Bell, Sheridan Harbridge, Brent Hill, Jane Harber, Erik Thomson 4 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 5

To enrich lives with understanding and empathy by the storytelling Vision power of the finest theatre imaginable

To produce classic and contemporary Australian and international theatre with style, Purpose passion and excellence in order to entertain, challenge and enrich audiences Strategic goals 2013–2017

Establish new Develop new Create a national Deliver a new Deliver a multi- audiences – young artistic relationships presence with an look MTC (aesthetic faceted theatre people, families, and partnerships international profile style, new Artistic program centred on Melbourne’s theatre across the artistic team, stronger diverse experiences community community commitment to which is flexible Australian writing, and financially explore artistic sustainable boundaries) 6 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014

Over 500 artists and industry professionals 2014 Achievements worked with MTC 12 directors involved in MTC’s Inaugural Women Directors Program 4 directors mentored through MTC’s Assistant Director Program 11 artists of diverse backgrounds involved in MTC Connect 12 playwrights under commission 17 secondments and interns 108 actors, 72 creative artists, 287 casual & fulltime staff

Expanded NEON Festival of Independent Theatre 5 independent companies staging 48 performances 14 free events for independent theatre makers and the public 50% of NEON audience new to MTC

676 performances $12.3 million box office 11 mainstage productions $65,000 operating surplus 3 world premieres of new 42% of audience new to MTC Australian works 5% growth in regional visitors 2 MTC commissions 20,050 subscribers 4 new Australian plays developed 236,835 paid attendance through MTC’s Cybec Electric 55,959 single tickets to 2 Add-on productions – family production mainstage productions and first ever choreographic theatre co-production Regional, interstate and international tours Award-winning education program $21.9 million revenue Yellow Moon – first tour of regional 2 education productions – Yellow Moon and Marlin Victorian schools 9.8% government grants 2 Best Performance Awards at the Drama Victoria Awards (nett of government duties) Cock – tour to LaBoite in Brisbane 4,223 students at MTC mainstage productions 68.3% box office Rupert – Washington DC, first (including ticketing fees) international tour in 30 years 3,791 paid attendance at MTC education productions 1,429 students at MTC education activities plus 21 school groups visiting MTC HQ 8 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 9

Terry Moran ac (Chair) Ian Marshman Secretary of the Department of Prime Senior Vice-Principal, University of MTC Board of Minister and Cabinet to 2011; Chair of the Melbourne Chair of the Universitas 21 Barangaroo Delivery Authority; Special Managers Group; Director of Headspace Adviser on Public Sector Reform at the National Youth Mental Health Foundation; Management 2014 Boston Consulting Group; Chair Cranlana Chair, VTAC Committee of Management; BA Programme; National President of the (Honours), LLB. Board member since 1 Institute of Public Administration; January 2009. Governor of the Committee for Economic Development of ; BA (Hons). Board Martyn Myer ao member since January 2012. Chairman Chairman, Myer Family Company Holdings from 1 January 2014. Ltd; Member of the Council of the University of Melbourne; Chairman of Lyndsey Cattermole am Cogstate Limited; B.Mech Eng, M.Eng. Company Director of Treasury Wine Estates Science, M. Sc in Management, FIEA. Board Ltd, Tatts Group Ltd, Melbourne Rebels member since 1 January 2011. Rugby Pty Ltd, JadeLynx Pty Ltd, Victorian Major Events Company Pty Ltd. B.Sc. Board Maureen Wheeler member since 3 June 2002. Founder of Lonely Planet Publications; Founder and Trustee of the Planet Wheeler Professor Barry Conyngham am Foundation; Board member of Text Dean, Faculty of the Victorian College of the Publishing; previously principal patron of Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of the Melbourne Ring Cycle, and board Music, University of Melbourne; Emeritus member of Tourism Tasmania and the Professor University of Wollongong and Northern Territory Tourism Advisory Board. Southern Cross University; MA (Hons), Board Member since 3 July 2014 DMUS. Board member since October 2013. Brett Sheehy ao Glyn Davis ac Artistic Director of MTC; Board member Vice Chancellor, The University of since 1 January 2012. Melbourne; Professor of Political Science; past Chair, Universities Australia; B.A (Hons), Virginia Lovett PhD, D.Lit. AC, FASSA. Board member since Executive Director MTC; Board member 1 January 2005. since 1 January 2013.

Jonathan Feder Adrian Collette am (Observer) Partner at K & L Gates; Theatre Producer Vice-Principal (Engagement), University of (JAF Productions and Two Left Feet Melbourne; Board member of Australia Productions); B.Laws (Hons), B.Sc. Board Council for the Arts and Committee for member since 1 June 2010. Melbourne; Life Member of Live Performance Australia; previously Chief Gillian Franklin Executive Officer of . Founder and Managing Director of The Heat Group; Board member of Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of Australia (CFTA), ACCORD, The Heat Group and Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Board member since 15 September 2006. 10 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 11 Chairman’s Report

By any measure, attended year on record. Or 676, the programs such as our NEON Festival of However, we know that in replacing the Melbourne number of individual performances Independent Theatre, our new MTC loss from falling Government support, we Theatre Company presented by the Company over the year, Connect program, and our ongoing are merely rowing against an ebbing tide. had a very good in Melbourne, regional Victoria, Brisbane Women Directors Program we are For the Company to move forward in the year in 2014, our and the USA. creating strong and lasting networks coming years, the tide must turn. second under the within the local theatrical community. leadership of As well, the year was perhaps our Similarly, we are investing in the future of Should there be more government Artistic Director richest yet in artistic partnerships and Australian drama with our expanded play support? Undeniably. It is only with Brett Sheehy co-productions. In addition to the commissions program (thanks to the Joan adequate support from governments and Executive collaboration with GFO, we also collabo- and Peter Clemenger Trust) and Cybec that theatre can consistently tackle Director Virginia rated with the Kennedy Center in Electric play reading series (thanks to contemporary themes and concerns Lovett. The plan Washington DC (our international tour of Roger Riordan and the Cybec Foundation). while also exploring the swirling currents had been Rupert – our first in thirty years), Windmill While our more dynamic Education program, defining our shared lives as Australians. ambitious. Building on a successful 2013, Theatre (Big Bad Wolf) and Arena Theatre which produced two full productions in In the performing arts, it is really only we sought to maintain and surpass our Company (MTC Education’s Marlin), and 2014, touring one to regional Victoria, theatre and contemporary music which benchmarks of excellence in theatre and the Melbourne Festival brought exciting stories to new and tackle these roles. It is the reluctance of production, extend our impact on the (Complexity of Belonging). By drawing enthusiastic young audiences. As governments to nourish this important vibrant cultural life of this city, and widen on the theatrical expertise outside our with R&D in any sphere, the costs are part of a state theatre company’s our appeal towards new audiences. That Company – in the commercial sector, in considerable and the outcomes are by contribution which I find most perplexing. we clearly achieved this in 2014 while still movement and youth theatre – we could no means certain. Yet, as Victoria’s state posting a modest operating surplus is a offer greater variety to our subscribers theatre company, it is a commitment However, a concern for the future should great achievement. while finding new audiences for our work. we feel compelled to make for the not take away from the achievements In 2014, we continued to become a more community we serve. of the present. In the end, those Though we had budgeted for a dynamic presence in the cultural life of achievements are largely due, not to the manageable deficit to achieve all of our Melbourne. However, we make these public money in the kitty, but the people in the 2014 artistic and executive goals, happily commitments in a climate of falling Company. On behalf of the Board, I would box office revenue was approximately $1.2 This, of course, is how it should be. MTC government revenue as a proportion of like to extend thanks to Brett Sheehy and million over target, and this was utilised is the largest and most diverse theatre our income. In 2014, we dipped below a Virginia Lovett for their tireless work and to cover the planned deficit, to replace company in Victoria and we take seriously net Government contribution to revenue clear-sighted leadership, and to the outdated IT equipment including desktop our obligations as a flagship arts organisa- of nine per cent, a historic low and, with hard-working and expert Company staff, computers and servers, to carry out much- tion. Presenting an engaging, varied and our colleagues at Sydney Theatre who each own a share in the Company’s needed theatre maintenance (Southbank high-quality season of mainstage productions Company, lower than all the other major success in 2014. Theatre is now six years old), to buy a will always be our core business, but we arts companies of Australia. Of course, we new stage revolve, and to ameliorate the also feel strongly a broader responsibility are doing more to raise money from strain of the current economic climate on towards the arts and theatre culture of the corporate sponsors and private donations. our sponsorship income. city. More than before, in 2014 we used In 2014, we restructured our Development our resources as a state theatre company Department and 2015 will see the Our eventual surplus is not the only to nurture talent and deliver opportunities inauguration of the MTC Foundation to Terry Moran ac gratifying number to come out of Season to emerging artists, develop new works, attract a higher level of philanthropic Chairman from 1 January 2014 2014. Consider 236,835 which is the cultivate new audiences and educate and support for the Company. Already, our number of seats sold for MTC inspire the young. Education Program has received a boost performances, and if we include the full from a generous five-year partnership season of our co-presentation with Although by no means mandatory, such with Crown Resorts Foundation, while, on Gordon Frost Organisation (GFO) of the activity we feel is crucial. It is our version the business side, new companies have musical Once, it was one of our most of research and development. With come aboard as Corporate Partners. 12 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 13 Artistic Director’s Report

Twelve months closed with the winning trifecta of the And, as the saying goes, nothing Burgess joining us from January 2015. ago we musical Once and two plays starring two succeeds like success. Interest in and This brings us close to gender parity at announced a extraordinarily talented artists, with Miriam support for MTC’s work has grown Board level for the first time, which we record year for Margolyes in I’ll Eat You Last and Bernadette exponentially, particularly in artistic believe delivers a crucial advantage for MTC. 2013 had Robinson in Pennsylvania Avenue. Within circles, but another terrific sign of the organisations in this second decade of seen our most the mainstage program we also presented buzz around the Company was the the twenty-first century. successful box a radically edited ninety-minute roller- landmark partnership for 2015 and beyond office result ever, coaster adaptation of Ghosts, and drawn up this year between MTC, the In moving forward we want to reach out our peers and the controversial though critically-lauded new Crown Resorts Foundation and the to even more children, students, families, press applauded productions of Cock and The Sublime. Sydney-based Packer Family Foundation. Indigenous artists, and our multiple our new direction, This arrangement saw Crown identify cultural communities. We want them all and more We also took a step forward MTC as the first cultural institution in to be part of our story and for us to be programming internationally with our first overseas tour Victoria to secure its support. part of theirs. initiatives had in thirty years when, at the invitation of been embarked upon in a single year the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, But at MTC we never rest on our laurels. We want to break open any barriers than at any other time since the we took our cabaret-style satire about There is so much more we want to do for around art, to embrace as many of the company began in 1953. Rupert Murdoch, Rupert, to the US. this city, this state and this nation, and to four million citizens of this city as that end our recent initiatives have been possible, and to help make Melbourne It was a clear sign to us that Melbourne In 2014 we expanded our education and pursued with even greater zeal. culturally even richer, more humane, and was embracing its theatre company with family entertainment programs with Big a more educated society. exuberance. Bad Wolf, Yellow Moon and Marlin. Yellow Our Women Directors Program, our Moon undertook an extensive regional MTC Connect program (with Multicultural We are Melbourne’s theatre company, In 2014 our mission was to consolidate tour, and it and Marlin both swept the Arts Victoria), our regional and national and we think the future for culture and this new vision and to strengthen all Drama Victoria Awards. touring programs, our Clemenger creative industries in our city is as bright aspects of our operations. And so, while playwright commissions (supported by as ever. we didn’t aim to set records in 2014, we We continued our landmark NEON the Joan and Peter Clemenger Trust), are thrilled that our box office result is Festival of Independent Theatre – a first our Cybec Electric play reading series over $1.2 million higher than the target for Australia – and we staged MTC’s first (supported by Roger Riordan and the we set ourselves, and this is despite our multi-artform dance/theatre production, Cybec Foundation), our MTC undertaking significant – but in our view Complexity of Belonging. Complexity of Ambassadors program, our family necessary – artistic risks which are set Belonging has now been invited to tour program and our expanded Education Brett Sheehy ao out in more detail below. And we are to the Netherlands, to Berlin and to Program (supported by Geraldine especially pleased that our relationships next year, which will see MTC’s name on Lazarus) are all paying dividends in within the broader cultural community theatres across Europe for the first time spades, with many of them setting have also thrived in 2014. in our history. benchmarks for arts organisations around the country. The year began for us with the hit All these productions capped twenty-four production Private Lives, directed by months which have seen the landscape In 2014 we welcomed Maureen Wheeler , followed soon after by shift, as MTC carves out a fresh role as ao as a Board Member, and we have ’s applauded star turn in Melbourne’s universal home of ‘live recently welcomed a further four Board Neighbourhood Watch. We settled into storytelling’, and unabashedly affirms its Members with Patricia Faulkner ao, the middle of the year with another sell- place as one of the great arts companies Jane Hansen, Janette Kendall and Tony out hit The Speechmaker, and then we of the nation. 14 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 15 Executive Director’s Report

Last year, in my implemented with the establishment of important that we do more to explore like to thank our very, very generous first Executive the MTC Foundation. areas where theatre-making intersects patrons, sponsors and subscribers Director’s Report, with government. without whom we would not be able I looked It was important to restructure our produce theatre of such world-class optimistically Development Department which, Staff wellbeing was another priority. In excellence and present it to hundreds of towards the compared to other major arts 2014, we addressed salaries within the thousands of people locally, nationally future, energised organisations, was not reaching full Company, which have tended over the and internationally. to create a potential. At the beginning of 2014, a years to lag below industry levels. It is only sustainable multi-year Development Strategy was fair that if we want staff to work to stay on company able adopted by the Board, the centrepiece budget, we need to reward them. For to support the of which was the creation of the MTC their part, MTC staff are just as aware as breadth of our Foundation. Launched in September management of how tight our finances new artistic 2014, the Foundation will attract higher are. Bearing this in mind, both vision. The PriceWaterhouse Coopers levels of philanthropic support and management and staff entered productivity review had been tabled and provide a secure revenue stream into the negotiations for a new Enterprise Virginia Lovett the whole Company was committed to future. It will also throw greater light on Bargaining Agreement in good faith. implementing a number of key the invaluable work we do for the wider In the end, we struck a deal for a pay recommendations to ensure a robust community in artist and playwright increase from 2015 that staff and future for Melbourne Theatre Company. development, education programs, management felt was fair and equitable. productions, and audience access. 2014 was an outstanding year. The The Foundation exploded from the In 2014 key areas across production, Company toured internationally for the starting blocks with the immediate IT and the theatre were given critical first time in 30 years, taking part in the announcement of a $2.5 million donation injections of capital and maintenance World Stages Festival at the Kennedy over five years from Crown Resorts investment. Centre in Washington DC; our VCE Foundation for our Sharing the Light production toured to regional Victorian initiative, which will support a raft I am happy to report an end of year schools for the first time, and the of theatre access programs for surplus of $65,000 with a consolidated mainstage theatre productions disadvantaged youth and their families. result including the new Foundation of introduced new writers, designers, $317,999. directors and actors to our loyal Working harder to attract income from subscribers and growing new audience. the private sector has become a priority The recurring theme to come out of because government support is unlikely running MTC in 2014 was sustainability. The new production and design to increase. Yet, even within the public Throughout the year, in all our major parameters were fully rolled out with all sector we probably can work a little decisions, we were thinking long term. production expenditure on budget with smarter to attract funding, perhaps by At current levels of box-office income, an overall reduction in costs in 2014. approaching government departments government support and private and We increased our usage of Southbank other that those responsible for arts and corporate giving, I’m sure we will survive Theatre, gaining cost efficiencies across culture. Many of our projects, especially for a few more seasons. But, if we want full time theatre staff and increasing use our work in education and within the this sixty-one year old company to be of ancillary services such as food and wider community, might be eligible for around for its centenary, we must act now beverage. The Development and funding from other agencies – education, to secure its future. In 2014, we made the Philanthropy strategy is also now fully health, trade, industry. In the future it is first crucial steps in that direction. I would 16 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 17 Development Director’s Report

2014 was a We also set a short-term goal of families, touring our annual education Dress Rehearsal Club and MTC Members significant and restructuring the Development Team, production regionally and establishing an – both of which were launched in successful which we completed in mid-2014 with Indigenous Scholarship program. This September 2014 and commenced in building-year for the appointment of Sarah Kimball as major leadership gift will impact the lives January 2015. We look forward to Development at Philanthropy Manager, Stephanie of many Victorians and truly make a enhancing the offering of retail and MTC, and our Convery as Philanthropy Co-ordinator, difference in the accessibility and restaurant discounts to our MTC Donors, Dean Hampel as Corporate Partnerships affordability of transformative theatre. Members during 2015, as well as hearing Corporate Manager, Ryan Nicolussi as Corporate positive feedback regarding the new Partners and Partnerships Co-ordinator and Mandy We have also seen general donations rise Qatar Airways MTC Lounge, which Members will Jones as Engagement and Events across the board, resulting in an increase opened in Southbank Theatre in have felt the Manager. in donation revenue by over 20% from January 2015. positive effects of 2013. Additionally, due to cost cutting our hard work in We are currently implementing the initiatives and careful stewardship of Overall, it’s been a highly successful year restructuring many of our Development five Development Strategy goals via donated dollars, our net income is up for MTC Development and I look back programs. a number of initiatives, including 80% from 2013. Our 2014 Annual Appeal on it with much satisfaction. Personally establishing the new MTC Foundation, also attracted a great return, delivering speaking, it’s been incredibly challenging I commenced my role as Development which we launched on 1 September. nearly $40,000 to the Company, up from and exciting. I am consistently delighted Director in November 2013, thus 2014 The purpose of the MTC Foundation is approximately $10,000 in 2013. and inspired by the supportive nature of was my first full year leading the twofold: first, to receive all annual MTC’s Donors and Corporate Partners. Department. When I started, it had donations to MTC and distribute them In our Corporate Partnerships area, I know that MTC has an amazing future become clear that, despite our many to four key areas of MTC’s business, we have also had great success ahead of it. But of course progress and long-term supporters, MTC was lagging comprising Innovation, Education, implementing bespoke partnerships and excellence is expensive! It will take great significantly behind our peers from a Community and MTC Southbank events. Through the leadership of Dean support from our Donors and Corporate Development perspective, particularly in Theatre; and second, to provide ongoing Hampel, MTC signed on eleven new Partners in order to continue to transform the area of private giving. And, with funding for the Company via an Corporate Partners in 2014 including lives through theatre, but I believe that Governments consistently cutting arts Endowment Fund. Aesop, Kozminsky, InterContinental together we will make this happen. funding, it was time for a new direction Melbourne and Little Creatures Brewery. for the MTC Development Department. In addition to launching the new MTC We also enhanced our relationships Thank you to all of our supporters – we Foundation, we have restructured our with many of our longstanding partners, couldn’t possibly succeed without you! In February 2014, the MTC Board Giving Program, introduced a new including Audi Australia, Goldman Sachs, approved a new Development Strategy, bespoke approach to Corporate Genovese Coffee, , Central which set our course for the next three Partnerships and established two new Equity and UBS. We continue to focus to five years. The new Development Membership programs. on providing outstanding services and Strategy has five key goals: increase truly extraordinary experiences to our philanthropic giving to MTC, increase We have already seen great results from corporate supporters and look forward to Tiffany Lucas our non-governmental grant income, these initiatives. In July, we announced working with the many new organisations increase and enhance our corporate a ground-breaking major gift of $2.5 planning to join our Corporate Partner sponsorships, ensure that our million over five years from Crown array in 2015 including Qatar Airways, our Development costs are reasonable and Resorts Foundation and the Packer new Major Partner joining in 2015. transparent, and develop a pipeline for Family Foundation to support our Sharing sustainability through Development. the Light initiative focusing on providing Finally, we have seen early success from subsidised tickets to students and our two new Membership Programs – 18 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 19 Corporate Partners MTC would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support in 2014.

Leading Partners Major Partners

Opening Night Media

Production Partners

Season Partners

Corporate Members

Donald Cant Watts Corke, Odgers Berndston

Melbourne Theatre Melbourne Theatre Company is assisted by the MTC is a member of Company is a department of Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, Live Performance Australia the University of Melbourne. its arts funding and advisory body, and by the State and the Australian Major Government of Victoria through Arts Victoria. Performing Arts Group. 20 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 21

Bill Bowness Henry Gold Janet Reid oam and Allan Reid Beth Brown and Tom Bruce am Murray Gordon and Lisa Norton Colin and Josephine Rendell Leading & Lynne and Rob Burgess Isabella Green oam and Ernst Riest Janet and Michael Buxton Richard Green Professor Barry Sheehan and Robert and Caroline Clemente Lesley Griffin Pamela Waller Sandy and Yvonne Constantine Bruce and Mary Humphries Diana and Jeffrey Sher Supporting Donors Dr Anthony and Jillian Dortimer Joan and George Lefroy Tim and Lynne Sherwood Melody and Jonathan Feder Alex and Halina Lewenberg Trawalla Foundation Paul and Janice Ferla Dr Peter and Amanda Lugg Cheryl and Paul Veith Judy and Leon Goldman Ian and Judi Marshman Ralph Ward-Ambler am and MTC gratefully acknowledges our visionary donors who share our Rosemary Forbes and Ian Hocking George and Rosa Morstyn Barbara Ward-Ambler passion and support our work. Michelle Gallaher and Donald Murray Ray and Margaret Wilson Michael Avery Orloff Family Charitable Trust Greg Young Gjergja Family Tony Osmond and Fiona Griffiths Anonymous (12) 100,000+ Crown Resorts Foundation Packer Family Foundation 1,000+ James and Helen Angus Gill Family Foundation David and Barbara Mushin Margaret Astbury Prue Gillies am Dr Paul and Sue Nisselle 40,000+ John and Dagnija Balmford Brian Goddard Jane Oldfield Supporter of Commissions Supporter of Cybec Electric Miriam Bass and Peter Jaffe Roger and Jan Goldsmith Alison Park The Joan and Peter Clemenger Trust The Cybec Foundation John and Lorraine Bates John and Jo Grigg Jon Peacock and Darren Lockie Jay Bethell and Peter Smart Sir Andrew and Lady Grimwade Dr Harry and Rita Perelberg David and Rhonda Black Ian and Wendy Haines Dr Annamarie Perlesz 20,000+ Ross and Alix Bradfield Jane Hansen Dug and Lisa Pomeroy Supporters of Education Season Donors Caroline and Derek Young am Sally Browne Fund – Australian Glen Harrington and Bill and Katharine Ranken Dr Geraldine Lazarus and Greig Gailey Louise and Martyn Myer ao Anonymous Communities Foundation Robyn Eastham Peter and Terryl Read Tania Brougham Michael Heine Sally Redlich Patricia L Burke Scott Herron Victoria Redwood 10,000+ Diana Burleigh and Chrys Black Dawn and Graham Hill oam Julie and Ian Reid Supporters of Open Door Macgeorge Bequest Sidney Myer Fund David Byrne Tony Hillery and Ian and Diana Renard Luisa Valmorbida Susanna Mason and the late Malcolm Robertson Foundation Pam Caldwell Warwick Eddington David Richards Alison and John Cameron Gil and Sandi Hoskins Dr S M Richards am and Season Donors Noel Mason Maureen Wheeler ao and John and Jan Campbell Professor Andrea Hull ao M R Richards Cattermole Family Gordon Moffattam and Tony Wheeler ao Ingrid and Per Carlsen Peter and Halina Jacobsen Rae Rothfield Norman and Betty Lees Jacqueline Moffatt Anonymous The Myer Foundation Clare and Richard Carlson Ed and Margaret Johnson Edwina Sahhar Fiona Caro Irene Kearsey Susan Santoro Chef’s Hat Malcom Kemp Max and Jill Schultz 5,000+ Elizabeth Chernov Fiona Kirwan-Hamilton and Berek Segan am obe and Ian and Jillian Buchanan Supporters of Literary Supporters of Education Sue Clarke and Lindsay Allen Simon E Marks sc Maria Segan Development Anne Le Huray The Michael and Andrew Buxton Assoc. Professor Lyn Clearihan and Doris and Steven Klein Diane Silk Dr Andrew Buchanan and Dr Michael and Lynne Wright Foundation Dr Anthony Palmer Margaret Knapp Judith and John Sime Peter Darcy Supporters of Professional Marshall Day Acoustics Dr Robin and Neil Collier Bettie Kornhauser Jane Simon and Peter Cox John and Robyn Butselaar Development (Denis Irving Scholarship) John and Christine Collingwood Alan Kozica Tim and Angela Smith Jane Hemstritch Professor David Penington ac Professor Margaret Gardner ao and Adrienne Conway Elizabeth Laverty Reg and Elaine Smith oam Supporters of Costume and Dr Sonay Hussein Professor Glyn Davis ac Yvonne and Sandy Constantine Rosemary Leffler Earimil Gardens Charity Jeanne Pratt ac Ian and Margaret McKellar and Design Ann Darby Alison Leslie Diana and Brian Snape am Sandy Bell and Daryl Kendrick Season Donors Daniel Neal and Peter Chalk Mark and Jo Davey Mary Lipshut Shirley Strauss The Dowd Foundation Bardas Foundation Tom and Ruth O’Dea Jocelyn Davies Peter and Judy Loney Rodney and Aviva Taft James Best and Doris Young Pinky Watson Jessica Denehey Virginia Lovett and Rose Hiscock Marjorie Taylor Anonymous Mark and Amanda Derham Tiffany and Matthew Lucas Miriam and Frank Tisher oam Katharine Derham-Moore Elizabeth Lyons Lyle Thomas and Christina Turner 2,000+ Kathy and George Deutsch Carol Mackay and Greg Branson Peter and Liz Turner Elizabeth and Geoffrey Donnan Ken and Jan MacKinnon Kevin and Elizabeth Walsh Supporters of Literary Jan Nolan Jane and Andrew Murray Robert Drake Alister and Margaret Maitland Ursula Whiteside Development Rae Rothfield Ricci Swart Bev and Geoff Edwards Joyce and Bernard Marks Mandy and Ted Yencken Bill and Sandra Burdett Laurel Young-Das and Gillian and Tony Wood George and Eva Ermer Pamela Marshall Graeme and Nancy Yeomans Stephen and Jenny Charles Heather Finnegan Supporters of Open Door Florentine England Stuart and Noela McDiarmid Roz Zalewski and Jeremy Ruskin Grant Fisher and Helen Bird Supporters of Education Craig Semple Dr Alastair Fearn Garry McLean Ange and Pete Zangmeister Heather and Bob Glindemann oam Robert Bird and Jane Howe Steven Nicholls and Brett Sheehy ao Nola Finn Elizabeth McMeekin Anonymous (18) Robert and Jan Green Barry and Joanne Cheetham Jan and Rob Flew Douglas and Rosemary Meagher Price and Christine Williams Season Donors Dr Helen Ferguson Rosemary Ayton and Gillian and Wayne Franklin Dr Mark and Dr Alla Medownick Supporters of Costume Larry Kornhauser and Sam Ricketson John Fullerton Robert and Helena Mestrovic and Design Sophie Russell Peter and Carolyn Berger Nigel and Cathy Garrard John G Millard Pat Burke Sandy and Sandra Murdoch Marc Besen ao and Eva Besen ao Diana and Murray Gerstman Ross and Judy Milne-Pott 22 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 23

2014 Mainstage Season

There were eleven shows in MTC’s Mainstage subscription season in 2014. Three Australian plays received their World Premieres, with another Australian play, Neighbourhood Watch, coming to Melbourne after its successful season at Belvoir in Sydney. Fresh from the stages of London and New York came four new works, including the hit musical Once, of which MTC presented the first five weeks of the season in association with John Frost. We revived classic plays from Noël Coward, and David Mamet. To these plays in the subscription season, we added two add-on productions, a school holiday treat in Big Bad Wolf that was co-produced with Windmill Theatre, and a choreographic theatre piece co-produced with Melbourne Festival, Brisbane Festival and Chunky Move, Complexity of Belonging. MTC Annual Report 2014 25 PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward

MTC Associate Artistic Director Sam Strong brought out all of Noël Coward’s ineffable elegance and imperturbable style in this popular revival. Leon Ford and Nadine Garner superbly played Elyot and Amanda, the lovers who can neither live with or without each other.

25 January to 8 March 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Audio Described Performances Director Sam Strong 25 February and 1 March Set Designer and Costume Designer Captioned Performance 22 February Tracy Grant Lord Lighting Designer Paul Jackson ‘Director Sam Strong has achieved Composer and Musical Director a funny and seductively charged Mathew Frank production that remains poised Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth between cynicism and sentimentality.’ Voice and Dialect Coach Leith McPherson Cameron Woodhead, The Age Fight Choreographer Scott Witt Assistant Director Tanya Dickson ‘Ford is suitably cool, sophisticated, Design Assistant Kat Chan foppish and acid-tongued as Elyot, Stage Manager Julia Smith while Garner balances posturing Assistant Stage Manager Stephen Moore elegance and delicious seduction with slapstick.’ Cast Kate Herbert, Herald Sun Lucy Durack, Leon Ford, Julie Forsyth, Nadine Garner, John Leary

Paid Attendance 24,945

Production Briefing 20 January Opening Night 30 January Forum Night 3 February Nadine Garner and Leon Ford Tom Conroy and Angus Grant MTC Annual Report 2014 27 COCK by Mike Bartlett

Australian Premiere

A comedy about a young man who just couldn’t make up his mind, Cock was Mike Bartlett’s exploration of contemporary sexual mores. Featuring a dazzling quartet of actors making their MTC debuts, crisp direction by MTC Associate Director Leticia Cáceres and new songs from Missy Higgins, the production repeated its success in a tour to La Boite in Brisbane.

7 February to 22 March 2014 Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio

Production Production Briefing Director Leticia Cáceres 3 February Set and Costume Designer Opening Night 13 February Marg Horwell Forum Night 17 February Lighting Designer Rachel Burke Audio Described Performances Composer Missy Higgins 4 and 8 March Sound Designer THE SWEATS Captioned Performance 15 March Fight Choreographer Brad Flynn Stage Manager Christine Bennett ‘When it’s funny, it’s hilarious, and Assistant Stage Manager when it moves you, it’s a theatrical Whitney McNamara gut-punch.’ Byron Bache, Herald Sun Cast Tom Conroy, Angus Grant, Tony Rickards, ‘Performances were dazzling and Sophie Ross characters completely engrossing. Captivating even.’ Paid Attendance 13,250 Lucy Graham, Stage Whispers Robyn Nevin and Megan Holloway MTC Annual Report 2014 29

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATC H by Lally Katz

A Belvoir Production

A show that seemed to be down everyone’s street, Lally Katz’s Neighbourhood Watch received the same warm reception from MTC audiences as it had in its hit Belvoir run in 2013. Combining fractured syntax and taxing frankness, Katz created a great comic role in the émigré eccentric Ana, unforgettably portrayed by Robyn Nevin.

17 March to 26 April 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Opening Night 20 March Director Forum Night 24 March Set and Costume Designer Audio Described Performances Dale Ferguson 8 and 12 April Lighting Designer Damien Cooper Captioned Performance 26 April Composer and Sound Designer Stefan Gregory ‘Nevin is extraordinary.’ Associate Sound Designer Cameron Woodhead, The Age, Terry McKibbin Stage Manager Eva Tandy ‘A big-hearted production.’ Assistant Stage Manager Jess Keepence Ben Packer, Limelight Magazine

Cast Akos Armont, Charlie Garber, Anthony Harkin, Natasha Herbert, Megan Holloway, Kris McQuade, Robyn Nevin

Paid Attendance 21,794 MTC Annual Report 2014 31 GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen adaptated and directed by Gale Edwards

In Gale Edwards’s succinct adaptation, the tragic arc of Ibsen’s drama was steepened to the point of freefall. Mist, rain and fire dominated Shaun Gurton and Paul Jackson’s design, with the sun emerging too late to save the benighted son (Ben Pfeiffer) and his mother (Linda Cropper).

17 May to 21 June 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production

Director Gale Edwards ‘Shaun Gurton’s design is striking. Set and Costume Designer Rain drizzles down a glass wall Shaun Gurton upstage. A chaise longue and lonely Lighting Designer Paul Jackson chair confront each other, as the Composer and Sound Designer play’s ideas do.’ Russell Goldsmith Cameron Woodhead, The Age Assistant Director Kim Hardwick Fight Choreographer Brad Flynn ‘As the Engstrands, Richard Piper and Stage Manager Whitney McNamara Pip Edwards wear their back-stories Assistant Stage Manager Pippa Wright like favourite clothes. We get them – their intricacies, their foibles, their Cast details – the instant they appear.’ Linda Cropper, Pip Edwards, Ben Pfeiffer, Chris Boyd, The Australian Richard Piper, Philip Quast

Paid Attendance 15,774

Production Briefing 12 May Opening Night 22 May Forum Night 26 May Audio Described Performances 10 and 14 June Philip Quast and Linda Cropper Captioned Performance 7 June Jane Harber, Kat Stewart, MTC Annual Report 2014 33 Erik Thomson and Nicholas Bell THE SPEECHMAKER by , and

World Premiere

The Working Dog team collaborated on their first full-length stage work and came up with MTC’s biggest-selling show of the year. Directed by MTC Associate Artistic Director Sam Strong with a star cast sequestered onto AirForce One during a terrorist crisis, this satire on executive power was a hilarious flight in a pressurised cabin.

31 May to 5 July 2014 Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

Production Subscriber Briefing 26 May Director Sam Strong Opening Night 5 June Set and Costume Designer Forum Night 16 June Dale Ferguson Audio Described Performances Lighting Designer Paul Jackson 17 and 21 June Composer and Sound Designer Captioned Performance 28 July Russell Goldsmith Voice and Dialect Coach Jenny Kent ‘This new Working Dog comedy Assistant Director Kat Henry is a winner … I laughed all night.’ Stage Manager Christine Bennett Dennis Glover, The Daily Review Deputy Stage Manager Julia Smith Assistant Stage Manager Stephen Moore ‘Sam Strong’s disciplined direction, the expositional skill of Cast the writing, and finely judged comic Nicholas Bell, Jane Harber, Sheridan acting work in concert to enable a Harbridge, Brent Hill, , David genuine ensemble performance – James, Christopher Kirby, Harry Shearer, fast-paced and with no joke milked.’ Kat Stewart, Erik Thomson, Cameron Woodhead, The Age

Paid Attendance 31,305 MTC Annual Report 2014 35

GLE NGARRY GLEN ROSS A play by David Mamet

In 1984, David Mamet caught the desperation within a shonky Chicago real estate office with pitch-perfect, expletive- strewn dialogue. This revival confirmed its place as a modern American classic. led a swaggering cast in this explosive exposé of male competitiveness, directed by Alkinos Tsilimidos.

5 July to 9 August 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Audio Described Performances 29 July Director Alkinos Tsilimidos and 2 August Set Designer Shaun Gurton Costume Designer Jill Johanson ‘This is a classy and confident Lighting Designer Nigel Levings production of an iconic play.’ Composer and Sound Designer Mileta Rien, Arts Hub Tristan Meredith Voice and Dialect Coach ‘Greg Stone is outstanding Anna McCrossin-Owen as Moss … Alex Dimitriades compelling Stage Manager Jess Burns and audacious as the ruthless young Assistant Stage Manager Jess Maguire winner, Roma.’ Kate Herbert, Herald Sun Cast Rodney Afif, Nick Barkla, Brett Cousins Justin Stewart Cotta, Alex Dimitriades, John McTernan, Greg Stone, (Steve Bisley withdrew during rehearsals)

Paid Attendance 16,954

Subscriber Briefing 30 June Opening Night 10 July Alex Dimitriades and Nick Barkla Forum Night 14 July MTC Annual Report 2014 37 THE EFFECT An original stage play by Lucy Prebble

Australian Premiere

Is love a drug? – just one of the many fascinating questions UK writer Lucy Prebble raised in her popular think-piece, directed with cool deliberation by MTC’s Associate Director Leticia Cáceres. As lab-coated neuroscientists, William McInnes and messed with the minds of trusting lovers played by Nathaniel Dean and Zahra Newman.

16 August to 20 September 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Paid Attendance 17,698 Director Leticia Cáceres Set Designer Andrew Bailey Subscriber Briefing 11 August Costume Designer Kate Davis Opening Night 21 August Lighting Designer Damien Cooper Forum Night 25 August Composer and Sound Designer Audio Described Performances THE SWEATS 3 and 9 September Video Designer Chris More Captioned Performance Choreographer Stephanie Lake 6 September Assistant Director Kate Sulan Fight Choreographer Brad Flynn ‘The Effect is that rare beast: Stage Manager Christine Bennett a rich, challenging play that’s Assistant Stage Manager as moving as it is intelligent. Whitney McNamara See it. Now.’ Byron Bache, Herald Sun Cast Nathaniel Dean, William McInnes, ‘The Effect is taut, gripping, Zahra Newman, Sigrid Thornton and hugely affecting.’ Eric Gardiner, Concrete Playground Sigrid Thornton MTC Annual Report 2014 39 THE SUBLIME by Brendan Cowell

World Premiere

Playing Brendan Cowell’s hard game of truth and consequences, MTC Associate Artistic Director Sam Strong kept the story passing hand to hand between the two footballing brothers (Josh McConville and Ben O’Toole) and the young woman, \played by Anna Samson, undeservedly turned into a femme fatale by the media.

22 August to 4 October 2014 Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio

Production Audio Described Performances Director Sam Strong 16 and 20 September Set and Costume Designer Captioned Performance Dayna Morrissey 27 September Lighting Designer Danny Pettingill Composer and Sound Designer ‘Sam Strong’s direction is taut, fast- Steve Francis paced and dynamic, conjuring a sense Dramaturg Chris Mead of the danger, muscularity and Assistant Director Tahli Corin excitement of the footy field.’ Fight Choreographer Brad Flynn Kate Herbert, Sunday Herald Sun Stage Manager Jess Keepence Assistant Stage Manager ‘If every new Australian play was Vivienne Poznanski handled with such energy and skill, we would be laughing.’ Cast Cameron Woodhead, The Age Josh McConville, Ben O’Toole, Anna Samson

Paid Attendance 11,065

Subscriber Briefing 18 August Opening Night 28 August Ben O’Toole, Anna Samson Forum Night 1 September and Josh McConville Colin Dean, Anton Berezin, Jane Patterson MTC Annual Report 2014 41 and Susan-Ann Walker ONCE by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová Australian Premiere

In association with producer John Frost, we presented the first five weeks of this contemporary Irish musical, part ceilidh, part love story, based on the popular film. Directed and choreographed by the original Broadway pairing of John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett, the Australian Premiere of Once brought together Tom Parsons and Madeleine Jones as the guy and the girl who touched our hearts.

1 October to 9 November 2014 Princess Theatre

Presented by Barbara Broccoli, John N Matthew Hamilton, Lisa Hanley, Brent Hill, Hart Jr, Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Shanae Icovski, , Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G Wilson, Amy Lehpamer, Tara Lyon, Madeleine Orin Wolf, and John Frost in association Jones, Stefanie Jones, Summer Moore, with New York Theatre Workshop and Lachlan Neate, Tom Parsons, Jane Melbourne Theatre Company. Patterson, Greg Stone, Susan-Ann Walker, Paul Watson, Margi De Ferranti Production Director John Tiffany Paid Attendance 19,512 Choreographer Steven Hoggett (for first five weeks) Musical Supervisor Martin Lowe Set and Costume Designer Bob Crowley Opening Night Saturday 4 October Lighting Designer Natasha Katz Sound Designer Clive Goodwin ‘An exquisite jewel of a musical.’ Kate Herbert, Herald Sun Cast Anton Berezin, Andrew Broadbent, ‘Seduces you from the outset.’ Ben Brown, Gerard Carroll, Colin Dean, Cameron Woodhead, The Age Miriam Margolyes MTC Annual Report 2014 43 I’LL EAT YOU LAST by John Logan

Australian Premiere

Few Melburnians had ever heard of Hollywood agent Sue Mengers before director Dean Bryant recreated her deliciously wicked and gossipy world in the Fairfax Studio. Yet having seen the rich and joyous incarnation of her by Miriam Margolyes, reclining on her sofa, smoking and toking, getting high on the proximity of fame, audiences will surely never forget her.

31 October to 20 December 2014 Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio

Production Audio Described Performances Director Dean Bryant 25 and 29 November Set and Costume Designer Owen Phillips Captioned Performance 6 December Lighting Designer Ross Graham Sound Designer Russell Goldsmith ‘Likely to be the most enjoyable and Voice and Dialect Coach Leith McPherson entertaining night at the theatre you’ll Stage Manager Christine Bennett have this year.’ Assistant Stage Manager Julia Smith Cameron Woodhead, The Age

Cast ‘I’ll Eat You Last is brilliant, bitchy, Miriam Margolyes knock-the-wind-out-of-you funny and a cracking night at the theatre.’ Paid Attendance 19,717 Byron Bache, Herald Sun

Subscriber Briefing 27 October ‘[Margolyes’] performance in Opening Night 6 November I’ll Eat You Last is an absolute cracker.’ Forum Night 10 November Chris Boyd, The Australian Bernadette Robinson MTC Annual Report 2014 45

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE by Joanna Murray-Smith

World Premiere

In 2009 we showcased Bernadette Robinson’s extraordinary lyrebird talents in Joanna Murray-Smith’s wildly successful Songs for Nobodies. For Pennsylvania Avenue Simon Phillips returned to the Company to direct Robinson in another Murray-Smith script and another hit, recreating the most memorable voices to reverberate through the White House.

8 November to 23 December 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Paid Attendance 24,457 Director Simon Phillips Musical Director Ian McDonald Subscriber Briefing 3 November Set and Costume Designer Shaun Gurton Opening Night 13 November Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper Forum Night 17 November Associate Lighting Designer Chris Twyman Audio Described Performances Video Designer Chris More 2 and 6 December Assistant Director John Kachoyan Production Researcher Tania Lentini ‘[Robinson] lights up the stage Musician (guitar/keyboards) when she sings.’ Johnathan Skovron Kate Herbert, Herald Sun Musician (drums) Tanya Cavanagh Musician (reeds) Lachlan Davidson ‘Robinson’s talents as an astonishing Musician (deputy reeds) Carlo Barbaro theatrical interpreter of famous Stage Manager Jess Burns performers are on glorious display.’ Assistant Stage Manager Rueben Liversidge, Arts Hub Whitney McNamara

Cast Bernadette Robinson ADD-ON PRODUCTION MTC Annual Report 2014 47 Emma J Hawkins and Patrick Graham BIG BAD WOLF by Matthew Whittet

A Windmill Theatre Production

Our family show for the summer school holidays charmed children and their parents alike with its tale of a big bad wolf who wasn’t all that bad. With a witty script from Matthew Whittet, Australia’s premiere children’s theatre company Windmill provided afternoons of colour, magic and laughter.

11 to 25 January 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Lawler

Production ‘Charming storytelling.’ Director Rosemary Myers Ray Gill, Daily Review Designer Jonathan Oxlade Sound Designer Harry Covill ‘Big Bad Wolf is a clever, warm-hearted Lighting Designer Chris Petridis parable … An ideal introduction Movement Carol Wellman to theatre.’ Cameron Woodhead, The Age Cast Kate Cheel, Patrick Graham, Emma J Hawkins

Paid attendance 1,961

Opening Night 11 January ADD-ON PRODUCTION MTC Annual Report 2014 49

COMPLEXITY OF BELONGING A project by Falk Richter and Anouk Van Dijk

A co-production between Melbourne Theatre Company, Chunky Move, Melbourne Festival and Brisbane Festival

Two superb international collaborators, writer-director Falk Richter and Chunky Move’s Artistic Director Anouk van Dijk, developed this multimedia work exploring the ironies and the ecstasies of identity in a globalised world. Combining movement and the spoken word, the show opened up the stage to new possibilities for many regular MTC theatre-goers.

6 October to 25 October 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

Production Stephen Phillips, Josh Price, Karen Sibbing, Concept, Direction and Choreography Tara Soh Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk Text Falk Richter Paid Attendance 4,366 Set Designer Robert Cousins Costume Designer Mel Page Production Briefing 29 September Lighting Designer Niklas Pajanti Opening Night 9 October Composer Malte Beckenbach Assistant Director Gary Abrahams ‘Boundary-pushing choreographic Dramaturg Nils Haarmann theatre that displays the highest level Dramaturg Daniel Schlusser of artistry.’ Choreographic Secondment Cameron Woodhead, The Age Niharika Senapati ‘This is important theatre that needs Cast to be seen by as wide an audience Stephen Phillips Joel Bray, Lauren Langlois, Alya Manzart, as possible.’ and Lauren Langlois , James Vu Anh Pham, Reuben Liversidge, Arts Hub MTC ON TOUR MTC Annual Report 2014 51 Heading

Sean O’Shea as Rupert Sophie Ross and Tom Conroy Murdoch with the Rupert cast

Cock Rupert by Mike Bartlett by David Williamson

After its MTC season, Mike Bartlett’s exploration of contemporary sexual mores In March, we toured our 2013 production of David Williamson’s play about the life and travelled to La Boite Theatre in Brisbane. For the season, Eamon Flack took over times of Rupert Murdoch to the United States for the World Stages International the role of ‘M’. Theatre Festival in Washington DC. It was our first international tour for thirty years.

La Boite Theatre Company Season Production Season Dramaturg Chris Mead 27 March to 12 April 2014 Director Leticia Cáceres 12 to 15 March 2014 Assistant Director Clare Watson Roundhouse Theatre Set and Costume Designer Marg Horwell World Stages International Theater Voice and Dialect Coach Brisbane Lighting Designer Rachel Burke Festival Anna McCrossin-Owen Composer Missy Higgins The Kennedy Center Sound Designer THE SWEATS Eisenhower Theater Cast Washington DC Marg Downey, , Daniela Cast Farinacci, Simon Gleeson, Bert LaBonté, Tom Conroy, Eamon Flack, Sophie Ross Production HaiHa Le, Sean O’Shea, Scott Sheridan Tony Rickards Director Lee Lewis Set, Costume and AV Designer Paid Attendance 1,883 Paid Attendance 2,637 Stephen Curtis Lighting Designer Niklas Pajanti Composer Kelly Ryall Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth MTC Annual Report 2014 53 Awards and Nominations

2014 Helpmann Writing/Adaptation for the Award Nominations Australian Stage Brendan Cowell The Sublime Best Female Actor in a Play Damien Millar Marlin (with Arena Zahra Newman The Mountaintop (2013) Theatre Company)

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role Dance Tom Budge The Beast (2013) For Female Dancer Lauren Langlois – Complexity of 2014 Green Room Belonging (MTC/Chunky Move/ Award Nominations Melbourne Festival) Female Actor Independent Theatre Miriam Margolyes I’ll Eat You Last For Male Performer Male Actor Angus Cerini – Resplendence (angus Josh McConville The Sublime cerini/doubletap NEON)

Ensemble For Lighting Design Yellow Moon Andy Turner – Resplendence (angus cerini/doubletap NEON) Lighting Design Damien Cooper Neighbourhood Watch For Production Lisa Mibus Yellow Moon Resplendence – angus cerini/doubletap Damien Cooper The Effect (NEON) Paul Jackson for Body of Work including Green Screen – Sans Hotel (NEON) Private Lives, Ghosts, The Speechmaker For Writing Set and Costume Angus Cerini – Resplendence Andrew Bailey The Effect (angus cerini/doubletap NEON)

Audio Visual Design & Animation Chris More The Effect Drama Victoria Award Winners Sound & Composition Russell Goldsmith Ghosts Best Performance by a Theatre THE SWEATS Yellow Moon Company for VCE Students Yellow Moon Direction Leticia Cáceres Yellow Moon Best Performance by a Theatre Sam Strong The Sublime Company for Primary Students Marlin (with Arena Theatre Company) Steve Mouzakis in The Cherry Orchard Miriam Margolyes 54 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 55

Open Door

Open Door comprises all of MTC’s activities beyond the mainstage – including our NEON Festival of Independent Theatre, our exciting play reading series Cybec Electric, our two extraordinary add-on productions, and our extensive Education programs for schools, young people, families and artists. With Open Door we invite MTC’s regular theatre-goers to explore stimulating new theatre experiences, as well as welcome new theatre practitioners and audiences to the Company. 56 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 57

Literary Director’s Report

A bumper year various stages of development. With the assembled, comprising Jane Harrison’s In the meantime, the mainstage season for MTC’s Literary continued assistance of the Joan and The Visitors, S. Shakthidharan’s A Counting delivered new plays or adaptations, which Department, Peter Clemenger Foundation, MTC added and Cracking of Heads, Sue Smith’s In the needed their final dramaturgical tweaks we kicked off Jane Bodie, Tom Holloway and Finegan Kingdom of Cha, Kylie Trounson’s The to be delivered to the stage. For their first 2014 with the Kruckemeyer to our list of commissioned Waiting Room and Declan Greene’s 8GB play, The Speechmaker, the Working revamped writers. Beyond these Clemenger of Hardcore Pornography. Thus, we Dog team of Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro five-play Cybec Commissions, we are developing The introduced five new writers (including and Rob Sitch kept fine-tuning their readings series Fat Institute by Hannie Rayson, a co- three women) and five new directors (four Presidential satire right up to Opening Cybec Electric, commission with Manhattan Theatre Club women) to MTC and staged MTC’s first Night. It was gratifying that a new were kept very in New York; Egg by Angela Betzien, with all-indigenous play reading. Importantly, Australian play should be the Company’s busy mid-year Terrapin Puppet Theatre through an one play (The Waiting Room) went on to biggest hit of the year. Two of the year’s on Air Force Interconnections Australia Council Grant; be scheduled in the 2015 mainstage other pleasures were working with Gale One with The John Romeril’s 52 Chapel St: the Duke and season. The readings also offered terrific Edwards on her clean and efficient Speechmaker, moved into controversy Duchess of Windsor, a co-commission with opportunities for five recent VCA and adaptation of Ibsen’s Ghosts and with with The Sublime, and ended back with Playwriting Australia; and Patricia NIDA graduates, who joined as literary Damien Millar and Christian Leavesley on the American president in Pennsylvania Cornelius’s adaptation of Lorca’s The House interns in each of the rehearsal rooms. Marlin, our moving and charming play for Avenue. of Bernarda Alba. The commissioning of young audiences. While we always knew Convergence by Angela Betzien, a play for The revamped program received an that Brendan Cowell’s The Sublime would However, outside the mainstage script , and Snap by Van Badham overwhelmingly positive response from divide audiences, we had no idea that it work, much literary labour went on: were made possible by the Malcolm the public. Just under a thousand people would send the commentariat into planning new play options, granting new Robertson Foundation. Also Lally Katz, attended, which represents a greater overdrive. But we didn’t mind the fuss at commissions, finding new ways to fund supported by the Australian Writers’ audience than for all previous seven years all; we want to be centre of cultural and those commissions, and finding new ways Foundation, has brought her new play combined. Though, probably more social debate. Finally, in Pennsylvania to support writers. All of which involves under our roof for development. With a heartening, was that the audience was Avenue, Joanna Murray-Smith, as ever a meeting as many playwrights as possible. thrilling variety of work in style and generally younger and more ethnically paragon of hard work and a model for In 2014, I took ninety-one meetings with content, quality and complexity, it bodes diverse than a general MTC audience, young playwrights, produced another fifty-seven individual playwrights; and had very well for me in future programming including many who found themselves stylish vehicle for the astonishing talents twenty-eight discrete meetings with meetings, and of course for MTC in an MTC theatre for the first time. of Bernadette Robinson. Seeing such twenty-four directors, academics, and audiences over the coming years. polished professional writing reach the artistic colleagues about new writing Thanks to Multicultural Arts Victoria, the stage reminded me, at the end of a hard projects. Of the playwrights I met, the Roger Riordan and his Cybec Foundation burgeoning MTC Connect program got year’s work, that developing new genders split almost evenly, the great are proud and long-term supporters of off to a great start. Twelve artists from Australian writing will always be a pleasure, majority were based in Victoria (with four new playwrights at MTC. Believing that our diverse backgrounds gathered together an honour and a privilege. based regionally), around a quarter were annual Cybec Readings deserved greater throughout the year to develop greater under thirty years-old, and seven were focus for playwrights and audiences, connections with MTC, with a view to from culturally or linguistically diverse we moved the series from November to broadening programming choices and backgrounds. February, giving it a powerful marketing attracting a more demographically diverse push and some specialist PR attention. audience. Its first success was funding by Perhaps the biggest advance of 2014 for We looked to the future in deciding on the the Australia Council In the Mix and Arts the department was the growth in our playwrights to include, foregrounding Victoria, of Nadja Kostich’s Pigeons, which Chris Mead commissioning program, with an some of our finest young artists. That saw held two development workshops at MTC unprecedented twelve new plays in a lively program of great thematic diversity in 2014, with more to come. 58 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 59 Cybec Electric 2014

6 to 22 February 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Lawler

The Visitors The Waiting Room by Jane Harrison by Kylie Trounson

6, 7 and 8 February 20 and 22 February

Director Director Naomi Edwards Cybec Intern Fleur Kilpatrick Cybec Intern Kate Shearman Cast Sermsah Bin Saad, Kamahi Djordon Cast Heidi Arena, Alison Bell, King, Greg Fryer, James Henry, Glenn Travis Cotton, Andrew S. Gilbert, Maynard, Leroy Parsons, Glenn Shea Belinda McClory, Aaron Pedersen Paid attendance 436 Paid attendance 227

A Counting and Cracking of Heads Presented in association with by S Shakthidharan Playwriting Australia

13 and 15 February 8GB of Hardcore Pornography Director S Shakthidharan by Declan Greene Cybec Intern Alice Darling Cast Rodney Afif, Kane Felsinger, 21 and 22 February at 7.30pm Menik Gooneratne, Carissa Lee, Simon Maiden, Rani Pramesti, Raj Sidhu, Director Susie Dee Leah Vandenberg Cybec Intern Julian Larnach Paid attendance 114 Cast Heidi Arena, Andrew S Gilbert Paid attendance 143 Presented in association with CuriousWorks Presented in association with Griffin Theatre Company and Perth Theatre Company In the Kingdom of 茶 (chá) by Sue Smith

14 and 15 February Cybec Electric is generously supported by Roger Riordan and Director Petra Kalive the Cybec Foundation. Cybec Intern Bridget Mackey Cast Rodney Afif, Menik Gooneratne, Paul Ireland, Simon Maiden, Rani Pramesti, Raj Sidhu, Leah Vandenberg Paid attendance 87

Leroy Parsons and Glenn Maynard, The Visitors 60 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 61 Education Manager’s Report

With the addition thirty-six regional schools. We couldn’t have listed on the VCE playlist: Private Lives Ambassador program the opportunity to of a families toured the show without the generous was on the VCE Theatre Studies list and get together and share a theatre program, a tour to support of our donors, and, with its Neighbourhood Watch was on the VCE subscription with each other. regional schools, success, we have extended our touring Drama list. Accompanying these and the announce- partnerships with RAV and GPAC into 2015. productions and Yellow Moon, we offered In perhaps the most exciting development ment of an exciting pre-show talks and post-show Q&As in 2014, we announced our five-year new outreach After Noel left in February, Meg Upton targeted at VCE students as well as detailed partnership with Crown Resorts Foundation initiative, 2014 was stepped in until my return in May, working Teachers’ Notes for each production. to present our Sharing the Light initiative. a whirlwind year with Education Co-ordinator Claire Haggan, This program will allow us to offer $5 tickets of change and who took on the role in February. Supporting students with their VCE studies to disadvantaged students and outer- growth for MTC the annual Summer School provided suburban families, removing barriers of cost Education. An exciting creative partnership with intensive VCE preparation, while our and distance to make our programs more Arena Theatre Company lead to the one-day Solo Performance and Stagecraft accessible than ever before. This initiative We kicked off the year with the delightful co-production Marlin by Damien Millar, workshops kick-started students’ work on will launch in 2015 and will enable us to Big Bad Wolf by Matthew Whittet, a beginning its run in the September school their end-of-year performance exams in continue touring Education productions to whimsical and heart-warming production holidays. For children aged eight and older, Drama and Theatre Studies. regional Victoria, and to extend our reach by Windmill Theatre Company for children director Christian Leavesley and his team to Tasmania, bringing quality theatre aged five and up. Melbourne’s relentless created a magical theatrical adventure In September, we once again welcomed productions to students who may not have heatwave didn’t stop family audiences from which incorporated puppetry and a boat participants from across Victoria for a week previously had the chance to experience piling in to enjoy the show and take part in amidst a sea of foam. The production of ensemble-based theatre-making at our live performance. We will be collaborating craft sessions, made possible by a donation received brilliant feedback from audiences, Youth Scholarship Course. This course is with the Wilin Centre at VCA to create an of supplies from Crayola. We’re thrilled to alongside some great reviews. Drama offered to students who wouldn’t usually Indigenous Scholarship Program which will extend our offering to Melbourne’s Victoria also recognised this work, awarding have the opportunity to participate in provide career pathways and mentoring to youngest theatre lovers and have Southbank it Best Production for Primary Students. It is drama workshops due to economic, talented young Aboriginal people from Theatre come alive with their laughter. a great endorsement of the quality of our geographic, educational or personal around the state. We created a new role of work that both our 2014 Education barriers. Culminating in a truly remarkable Community Outreach Manager, which has Noel Jordan did a fantastic job as interim productions were acknowledged with performance for their teachers, families been taken on by Karin Farrell, a former Education Manager while I was on awards by the teaching community. and MTC staff, the week at MTC clearly had teacher from regional Victoria who has maternity leave. Working in collaboration a profound impact on many of the experience in regional touring and with our Associate Director, Leticia Cáceres, As another example of our commitment to students. This course would not have been Indigenous engagement. he programmed our successful production the creation of quality Australian theatre for possible without the support of MTC’s of David Grieg’s Yellow Moon, which was young audiences, we commissioned the education donors. As we look back on 2014, we’re listed on the VCE Drama playlist. A beautiful development of a new work for families, in overwhelmed by the sheer volume of and moving play performed in traverse on collaboration with Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Another group of students that had a activity that we’ve presented and the a simple and dynamic set, it garnered Tasmania. Egg, by award-winning writer, special connection with MTC in 2014 were achievements that we’ve made. We’re glowing reviews and awe-struck student Angela Betzien, has undergone three our Ambassadors. This collection of Year 11 looking forward to continued growth in feedback, receiving the Drama Victoria rounds of creative development with the theatre enthusiasts met every three to four 2015 and beyond. Award for Best Production for VCE Drama assistance of an Interconnections grant weeks throughout the year to see MTC students. After its Lawler season in May, the from the Australian Council for the Arts, as productions, hear from guest speakers and production went on the road in partnership it heads towards a production season. discuss their responses to theatre with a with Regional Arts Victoria and Geelong group of like-minded peers. We also offered Performing Arts Centre, touring to ten In addition to our Education productions, a special program called Young Grads, schools and venues to reach students from two of our mainstage productions were which enabled recent alumni of our Suzie Thomas EDUCATION PRODUCTION MTC Annual Report 2014 63 YELLOW MOON by David Greig

This high-impact play about a pair of teenage runaways, played by Naomi Rukavina and Luke Ryan, won the Best Performance by a Theatre Company for VCE Drama from Drama Victoria. Leticia Cáceres’s sharp imaginative production also received the thumbs up from its large student audience.

2 to 16 May 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Lawler

19 to 30 May 2014 Regional tour to Victorian secondary schools

2 June 2014 Geelong Performing Arts Centre

Production ‘An engaging and thought- Director Leticia Cáceres provoking play.’ Set and Costume Designer Melanie Liertz Jennifer Porter, Arts Hub Lighting Designer Lisa Mibus Composer and Sound Designer ‘It’s full of moments where direction, THE SWEATS lighting (Lisa Mibus) and sound Stage Manager Jess Burns (THE SWEATS) combine, transporting Assistant Stage Manager Tess Chappell the audience to the romantic, misty and bitterly cold Scottish highlands. Cast That’s what theatre does. That’s what Mark Constable, , keeps you coming back.’ Naomi Rukavina, Luke Ryan Ben Neutze, Daily Review

Paid Attendance 2,066 (Southbank Theatre season) Naomi Rukavina and Luke Ryan MTC Annual Report 2014 65 MARLIN by Damien Millar

A co-production with Arena Theatre Company

This inspiring tale of a girl, her granddad and a great big fish took its young audiences out into the wide and dangerous ocean and all the way back home to shore. In this co- production with Arena Theatre Company, director Christian Leavesley thrillingly combined soap bubbles and puppetry to win Drama Victoria’s Award for Best Performance by a Theatre Company for Primary Students.

25 September to 11 October 2014 Southbank Theatre, The Lawler

Production ‘Marlin makes me wish I’d seen theatre Director Christian Leavesley as magical and uncondescending as Set and Costume Designer Marg Horwell this when I was growing up.’ Lighting Designer Rachel Burke Cameron Woodhead The Age Sound Designer Jethro Woodward Composer Wang-Zheng Ting ‘An excellent piece of vibrant theatre.’ Assistant Director Jolyon James Amelia Swan Arts Hub

Cast ‘Top notch theatre for kids!’ Christopher Bunworth, Ashlea Pyke, Suzanne Sandow Stage Whispers Jacob Williams

Paid Attendance 1,725

Christopher Bunworth and Ashlea Pyke MTC Annual Report 2014 67 Workshops and Participatory Events

For more than fifty years, MTC has provided life-changing educational experiences to young Victorians, a key element of which has been our many workshops and events held throughout the year. These include our Stagecraft and Solo Performance workshops, our Ambassadors program, and our Youth Scholarship course. Student groups regularly toured our Headquarters and thousands attended our productions, Yellow Moon and Marlin, and our mainstage shows. This year our production of Yellow Moon found new audiences during a tour to regional Victoria.

VCE Summer School Course Pre-show talks and Post-show Q&As 13 to 17 January 2014 March to October 2014 MTC HQ Southbank Theatre, The Sumner and Participants 18 The Lawler Participants 916 MTC Harvey World Travel Theatre Study Tour MTC Ambassador Program 14 to 18 April 2014 April to December 2014 MTC HQ and The Australian Ballet Centre MTC HQ Participants 62 Participants 15

VCE Solo Performance Workshop HQ Tours 13 to 20 June 2014 February to December MTC HQ MTC HQ Participants 198 Participants 21 Groups

VCE Stagecraft Workshop Work Experience and Volunteers 18 to 22 August 2014 January to December 2014 MTC HQ MTC HQ Participants 171 Participants 15

Youth Scholarship Course Education Sales for MTC Mainstage 20 to 24 August 2014 productions MTC HQ Paid Attendance 4,223 Participants 24 NEON MTC Annual Report 2014 69

NEON

Building on the success of the inaugural NEON Festival in 2013, MTC once again played host to five independent theatre companies in seasons at the Lawler and curated a range of panel discussions, presentations, play readings and workshops that focused on independent theatre-making. Once again, the companies were given complete freedom to stage whatever works they chose in whatever form they wanted in ten-day seasons in the Lawler, taking the all Little Ones Theatre Dangerous Liaisons box-office takings. Over the two festivals, we by Christopher Hampton after Pierre Choderlos De Laclos have been vindicated in our belief that opening 29 May to 8 June Cast our doors will bring regular MTC audience Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Alexandra Aldrich, Zoe Boesen, Catherine Davies, Tom Dent, members to new work and new audience Post-show Q&A 4 June Brigid Gallacher, Amanda McGregor, Joanna Sutton, Janine Watson members to MTC. Production Director Stephen Nicolazzo Total attendance Set Designer Eugyeene Teh 1,303 Costume Designers Tessa Leigh ‘That NEON opens up a space to embrace creative conflict, the Wolffenbuttel Pitt and Eugyeene Teh ‘So in vogue you can almost exchange of ideas on and off stage, makes it a crucial part of the Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis smell Madonna.’ Sound Designers Russell Goldsmith Byron Bache, Herald Sun artistic and intellectual fabric of Melbourne’s theatre scene.’ and Daniel Nixon Cameron Woodhead, The Age Choreographer Kurt Phelan ‘An exhilarating sprint … Design Assistant Shane Thompson as savage as ever.’ ‘Standing Ovation for MTC’s NEON Festival.’ Stage Manager Ainsley Kerr Tim Byrne, Time Out Melbourne Herald Sun Assistant Stage Manager Amber Sierra Bock Production Manager Rebecca Poulter Producer Bek Berger 70 MTC Annual Report 2014 NEON NEON MTC Annual Report 2014 71

Angus Cerini / Doubletap Antechamber Productions and Daniel Keene Resplendence Photographs of A by Angus Cerini by Daniel Keene

12 to 22 June 2014 ‘An extraordinarily rich and 26 June to 6 July ‘It plays expertly on the voyeurism Southbank Theatre, The Lawler beautiful piece, at every level.’ Southbank Theatre, The Lawler of the theatre.’ Chris Boyd, The Australian Cameron Woodhead, The Age Post-show Q&A 18 June Post-show Q&A 2 July ‘Elegant and taut detail … ‘Helen Morse is like an expert Production breathtaking.’ Production ventriloquist. Her wonderfully Writer and Director Angus Cerini Nicholas Hansen, ArtsHub Director and Designer Brian Lipson expressive voice hardly seems Designer Marg Horwell Stage Manager Meg Richardson to belong to her body.’ Lighting Designer Andy Turner Producer Samantha Potts Chris Boyd, The Australian Composer and Sound Designer Jethro Woodward Cast Dramaturgy and Additional Direction Ben Grant, Anouk Gleeson-Mead, Susie Dee Helen Morse Stage Manager Jess Keepence Producer Nina Bonacci Total attendance 987

Cast Angus Cerini

Total attendance 969 72 MTC Annual Report 2014 NEON NEON MTC Annual Report 2014 73

Arthur Sans Hotel The Myth Project: Twin Green Screen by Arthur by Sans Hotel

10 to 20 July Assistant Stage Managers 24 July to 3 August Total attendance 1,050 Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Leticia Brennan-Steer and Caitlyn Barclay Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Producer Belinda Kelly ‘This is hilarious, moving and Post-show Q&A 16 July Post-show Q&A 30 July devastatingly good theatre.’ Cast Byron Bache, Herald Sun Production Julia Billington, Catherine Davies, Production Writers Amelia Evans, Duncan Graham, Kevin Kiernan-Molloy, Rosie Lockhart, Director/Designer Nicola Gunn ‘Funny, smart, heartfelt … Gunn Dan Giovannoni Marcus McKenzie, Kurt Phelan, Production Designer keeps her audience on a knife’s edge Director Paige Rattray Guy Simon, Netta Yashchin with the Gwen Holmberg-Gilchrist between profundity and the ludicrous.’ Set Designer David Fleischer Launceston College Ensemble Sound Designer Duane Morrison Rebecca Harkins-Cross, The Age Costume Designer Owen Phillips Associate Artist Aaron Orzech Lighting Designer Emma Valente Total attendance 963 Producer Kara Ward Composer and Sound Designer Stage Manager Meg Richardson Kelly Ryall with Raya Slavin ‘A constantly surprising experience Assistant Stage Manager Ash Riley Choreographer Kurt Phelan that impresses with its ambition and Dramaturg Ben Winspear expert construction.’ Cast Production Manager Devon Taylor Robert Chuter, ArtsHub Nat Cursio, Tom Davies, Nicola Gunn, Stage Manager Miriam Sobey Jonno Katz, Kerith Manderson-Galvin Deputy Stage Manager Natalie Breakwell 74 MTC Annual Report 2014 NEON NEON MTC Annual Report 2014 75

NEON EXTRA

Once again opening up Southbank theatre as a place for connection and collaboration, we presented NEON EXTRA, a program of free conversations, discussion, discoveries and workshops for independent creative artists.

Kosky in Conversation Common Ground 20 July Common Ground brought theatre Southbank Theatre, The Sumner practitioners together in small groups Barrie Kosky in conversation with to discuss challenges in their field and ABC Arts Critic Alison Croggon share knowledge and experiences Attendance 527 with independent artists.

For Lighting Designers NEON Talks 12 June Intimate robust discussions tackling Southbank Theatre questions faced by Australian storytellers and their audiences For Set and Costumes Designers 19 June Who Can Tell Whose Stories? Southbank Theatre 31 May Southbank Theatre, The Lawler For Composer and Sound Designers Chair Fiona Gruber 17 July Panel Isaac Drandic, Roslyn Oades, Southbank Theatre NEON Up Late: MKA Alice Pung, John Safran Attendance 139 Participants 32 A series of late-night informal play readings at Southbank Theatre curated and presented by MKA: Theatre of New Writing. What is Australian Theatre now? Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise Alraune 26 July by Morgan Rose by Meredith Penman Southbank Theatre, The Lawler 6 June 1 August Chair Daniel Schlusser Director Kat Henry Director John Kachoyan Panel Patricia Cornelius, Nakkiah Lui, Cast Dan Fredericksen, Jan Friedl Cast Ruben Francis, Virginia Gay, Sam Strong, Lyn Wallis Kevin Kiernan-Molloy, Emily Tomlins Emily Milledge, Jane Montgomery Attendance 141 Total attendance 120 Griffiths, Gareth Reeves, James Wardlaw, Mark Wilson, Triumph Devon Wilton by Louris Van de Geer Total attendance 103 18 July Director Mark Pritchard Production Assistant/Musician Robert Johnson Cast Aljin Abella, Fantine Banulski, Paul David-Goddard, Emma Hall, Leonie White Total attendance 116 NEON MTC Annual Report 2014 77

NEON EXTRA

Writers Workshops Insights for Independents These workshops offered the Boutique workshops for independent opportunity for playwrights and theatre makers on aspects of dramaturgs to learn and discuss theatremaking. aspects of the writing process. For Production Managers Structure and Creativity 18 June 11 June Southbank Theatre Southbank Theatre For Curious Independents Deckchairs, Research and the Knife 4 July 16 July MTC HQ Southbank Theatre For Fundraisers My Friend the Dramaturg 9 July 30 July MTC HQ Southbank Theatre For Emerging Producers Participants 28 23 July Southbank Theatre

Directing Masterclass Participants 39 This workshop explored two perspectives on the craft of directing text-based theatre: play selection and conceptualisation, and working with actors on the floor.

25 June MTC HQ

Participants 13 78 EMPLOYMENT MTC Annual Report 2014 79 Actors and Artists 2014

Actors and Sheridan Harbridge Josh Price Musical Directors Terry McKibbin Design Assistants Stage Managers performers Anthony Harkin Ashlea Pyke and Supervisors Tristan Meredith Kat Chan Jess Burns Rodney Afif Emma J Hawkins Philip Quast Matthew Frank THE SWEATS Jack Fordham Christine Bennett Heidi Arena James Henry Tony Rickards Ian McDonald Wang-Zheng Ting Jess Keepence Akos Armont Natasha Herbert Bernadette Martin Lowe Jethro Woodward Lighting Interns Jess Maguire Brent Hill Robinson Steve Hendy Nick Barkla Choreographers Whitney McNamara Alison Bell Megan Holloway Sophie Ross Set and Costume Ryan Shuker Stephen Moore Nicholas Bell Lachy Hulme Naomi Rukavina Designers Andrew Hallsworth Bryn Cullen Vivienne Poznanski Andrew Bailey Stephanie Lake Sermsah Bin Saad Shanae Icovski Luke Ryan Cybec Interns Eva Tandy Paul Ireland Anna Samson Robert Cousins Steven Hoggett Anton Berezin Alice Darling Julia Smith Steve Bisley David James Harry Shearer Bob Crowley Musicians Pippa Wright Kate Davis Fleur Kilpatrick Joel Bray Madeleine Jones Glenn Shea Carlo Barbaro Stefanie Jones Karen Sibbing Dale Ferguson Bridget Mackey Stage Andrew Broadbent Tanya Cavanagh Julian Larnach Ben Brown Keegan Joyce Raj Sidhu Tracy Grant Lord Management Shaun Gurton Lachlan Davidson Kate Shearman Interns Christopher Bunworth Kamahi Djordon Tara Soh Jonathon Skovon Gerard Carroll King Kat Stewart Marg Horwell Choreographic Emma Barbaro Kate Cheel Christopher Kirby Greg Stone Melanie Liertz Assistant Directors Secondment Alec Kensit Tom Conroy Lauren Langlois Erik Thomson Dayna Morrissey Gary Abrahams Niharika Senapati Jennifer Knight Mark Constable John Leary Sigrid Thornton Jonathan Oxlade Tahli Corin Luke Preer Brett Cousins Carissa Lee Toby Truslove Mel Page Tanya Dickson Photographers Tonie-Rayne Steele Justin Stewart Cotta Amy Lehpamer Leah Vandenberg Owen Phillips Kim Hardwick Jeff Busby Alexia Thorne Pam Kleemann Linda Cropper Tara Lyon Susan-Ann Walker Lighting Designers Kat Henry Belinda McClory Paul Watson Heidrun Löhr Colin Dean Rachel Burke John Kachoyan Nathaniel Dean Josh McConville Bert LaBonté Kate Sulan Gina Milicia William McInnes HaiHa Le Damien Cooper Margi De Ferranti Ross Graham Jolyon James Dialect Coaches Alex Dimitriades Kris McQuade Sean O’Shea Paul Jackson Puppeteer Leith McPherson Marg Downey John McTernan Scott Sheridan Natasha Katz Jenny Kent Lucy Durack Simon Maiden Jacob Williams Directors Nigel Levings Anna McCrossin- Guy Edmonds, Alya Manzart Video Designer Glenn Maynard Dean Bryant Lisa Mibus Owen Pip Edwards Chris More Eloise Mignon Leticia Cáceres Niklas Pajanti Daniela Farinacci Chris Petridis Fight Kane Felsinger Summer Moore Susie Dee Dramaturgs Anouk van Dijk Danny Pettingill Choreographers Leon Ford Lachlan Neate Nils Haarmann Brad Flynn Robyn Nevin Naomi Edwards Nick Schlieper Julie Forsyth Chris Twyman Daniel Schlusser Scott Witt Greg Fryer Zahra Newman Petra Kalive Charlie Garber Ben O’Toole Christian Leavesley Composers and Researchers Nadine Garner Leroy Parsons Rosemary Myers Sound Designers Tania Lentini Simon Phillips Andrew Gilbert Tom Parsons Malte Beckenbach Meg Upton Aaron Pedersen Leah Purcell Simon Gleeson Harry Covill Directorial Jane Patterson Falk Richter Menik Gooneratne Steve Francis Secondment Patrick Graham Ben Pfeiffer S Shakthidharan Mathew Frank Debbie Zuckerman Angus Grant James Pham Sam Strong Russell Goldsmith Sara Tabatha Matthew Hamilton Stephen Phillips Simon Stone Clive Goodwin Catchpole Lisa Hanley Richard Piper John Tiffany Alkinos Tsilimidos Stefan Gregory Jane Harber Rani Pramesti Missy Higgins 80 EMPLOYMENT MTC Annual Report 2014 81 MTC Staff 2014

Executive Corporate Partnerships Senior Graphic Production Co-ordinator Tom Brayshaw Nick Wollan Education Bookings/ Kerryn Ribands Artistic Director Co-ordinators Designers Michaela Deacon Brenton Brown House Supervisors Ticketing Officer Buyers Brett Sheehy ao Julia Dyer Lydia Baic Production Design Stephen Campbell Marisa Cuzzolaro Mellita Ilich Lucy Moran Executive Director Ryan Nicolussi Emma Wagstaff Co-ordinator Tobias Chesworth Nathan Smith Box Office Supervisor Sophie Woodward Virginia Lovett Philanthropy Graphic Designers Andrew Bailey Huckle Cleary Paul Terrell Adam Walsh Wardrobe Hire Assistants to the Co-ordinator Helena Turinski Production Research Robert Cole Bar Supervisors Box Office Attendants Liz Symons Artistic Director Stephanie Convery Bethany Wilksch Tania Lentini James Cunningham Natalie Holmwood Joel Checkley Wardrobe Maintenance Lisette Drew Danny Cordner CAD Drafting Kieren Daniels Tain Stangret Gemma Cotterell Angela Cavalot Education Clare Reddan Jacob Batista Misha Doe Andrew Thomson Katie Dirks Ashleigh Neale PR and Executive Administrators Education Managers Rohan Dodd House and Bar Jean Lizza Millinery Communications Properties Stephanie Convery Noel Jordan (acting) David Dudek Attendants Bridget Mackey Phillip Rhodes Matt Phoenix Meg Upton (acting) Public Relations and Supervisor Nathan Evers William Atkinson Andrea McNamara Wigs & Makeup Suzie Thomas Communications Geoff McGregor Adam Froling Stephanie Barham Teale Nicholls Jurga Celikiene Artistic Education Co-ordinator Directors Properties Maker Luke Gathercole Tanya Batt Kaytlin Petrarca Yvonne Borland Associate Artistic Clare Haggan Debora McInnes Colin Penn Richard Gorr Thomas Blackburne Daniel Scaffidi Director Rée Izett Adam Graf Paul Blenheim Timon Sotiropolis Workshop Finance and Scenic Art Sam Strong Publicist Christian Green Alexandra Burgess Samuel Yeo Workshop Supervisor Administration Associate Director Rosie Shepherdson- Supervisor Nicholas Gray Tash Commons Subscription Supervisors Aldo Amenta Leticia Cáceres Finance Director Cullen Shane Dunn Luke Hawley Rhea Famlonga Shannon Woodford Deputy Supervisor Producer Patrick Healey Public Relations and Scenic Artists Simon Hamilton Susannah Frith Alex Browne Andrew Weavers Martina Murray Systems Manager Communications Tansy Elso Adam Hanley Kasey Gambing Subscription Set Makers Literary Director Michael Schuettke Assistant Colin Harman Robert Harrison Damien Harrison Team Leader Ken Best Chris Mead Company Accountant Rebecca Jones Laurence Heenan Soren Jensen Simon Hiler Bryce Hartnett Southbank Theatre Casting Director Ness Harwood Receptionists James Henry Angus Keech Subscription Team Philip de Mulder Janine Snape Accountant Mary Gotsi Theatre Manager Julian Hill Jo Leishman Eleanor Bally Alastair Read Casting Executive Wong Claire Haggan Mark D Wheeler Samuel Hopkins David Loney Simon Braxton Jamie Spiers Matt Bebbington Accounts Payable Mattie Young Building Services Christopher Hubbard Brienna Macnish Peter Dowd Meni Kalligas Publications Manager Jake Hutchings Paddy Macrae Chris Elliott Volunteers Catering Kimberley Bettinson- Co-ordinator Justin Murphy Tegan Hutchinson Cameron Moore Fran Hefferman Finance Manager Mccay Paul Galloway Theatre Operations Dave Korcass Daniel Moulds Sytske Hillenius Jen Dutton Andrea Purvis Salaries Officer Manager Matthew Lambe Ross MacPherson Dominic Holden Carolyn Elvins Assistant Manager Julia Godinho Production Samantha Potts Robert Larsen Paige Marshall Reta La Quesne Consultants Anita Lyovic Head of Production Production Services Peter Lavery Zoe Partington Sarah Lorens Human Resources Café Attendant Adam J Howe Manager Paul Lim Richard Saxby Ross McPherson Consultant Speech Carli Barron HR Manager Technical Manager – Frank Stoffels Scott McAlister Caitlyn Staples Elise McInerney Pathologist Cynthia Foster Christelle Harris Systems Lighting Supervisor Paul McKircher Ellen Strosser Maree Pattas Debbie Phyland Judy Mitchell Personnel Administrator Kerry Saxby James Conway William Maconachie Myles Tankle Olivia Pearce Christine Verginis Technical Manager – House Services Manager Overseas Norma Seger Marcis Macris Harriet Wallace-Mead John Richards Representatives EHS Co-ordinators Staging Emily Davies Bianca Mastrioianni Keziah Warner Kate Shearman London Development Eliza Neil Andrew Bellchambers Staging Supervisor Paul Micklewright Shannon Woodford Janine Stacey Yolande Bird/ Development Director Warren Michaelis Acting Senior Grant Kennelly Fiona Murray Jamaica Zuanetti Rhiannon Stevens Diana Franklin Tiffany Lucas Head Mechanist Sound Supervisor Kevin O’Brien Lee Threadgold Marketing New York Engagement and Andy McLintock Terry McKibbin Abe Otenstein Ticketing Alisdair Wilson Marketing Director Stuart Thompson Events Manager Electrics Lawler Studio Technician Phillip Pietruschka Director CRM and Caitlin Yolland Vanessa Rowsthorn Mandy Jones Adam Bowring Josh Noble Nicholas Ravenswood Ticketing Acting Marketing Philanthropy Manager Allan Hirons Head Flyman Andrew Regos Dale Bradbury Wardrobe Director Sarah Kimball David Farmer James Tucker Nicholas Reich Ticketing Manager Wardrobe Manager Kerry Noonan Corporate Partnerships Scott McAlister Stage and Kevin Roughana Brenna Sotiropoulos Judy Bunn Marketing Manager Manager Senior Production Technical Staff Warwick Sadler Ticketing Services Costume Makers James Wright Dean Hampel Manager Michael Agnew Helen Sammonds Administrator Tiffany Abbott Digital Marketer Major Donations and Michelle Preshaw Brendan Albrey Michael Taylor Lisa Mibus Emily Brewer Megan Byrne Foundations Manager Production Manager Nicola Andrews Sarah Trevorrow Database Specialist Justine Coultham Marketing Co-ordinators Adrienne Conway Mikkel Mynster Pete Andrews Rebecca Varcoe Ben Gu Jocelyn Creed Charlotte Oppenheim Engagement Production Administrator Steven Bancroft Nick Walker VIP Ticketing Officer Nicole Lacsni Daniel Coglan Co-ordinator Alison Brown Timothy Blundell Alistair Watson Michael Bingham John Molloy Emily Fiori Natalie Holmwood Cye Bishop Ashlee Wohling Lyn Molloy Mark Bradford 82 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 83

Financial Report 2014 84 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 85

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 ARTISTIC VIBRANCY ACCESS NUMBER OF PAID FINANCIAL VIABILITY ATTENDANCES BASED ON AUDITED Subscription Season Number of Performances ACCOUNTS Productions 9 10 Self Entrepreneured Strength of reserves 35.3% 34.2% Co-Productions 1 – Self Entrepreneured Home City 175,165 199,225 Buy-ins 1 1 Home City 411 509 Total 11 11 Studio Season Profitability (excluding non- New productions 10 11 Studio Season Home City (NEON) 4,193 5,151 operating income) $37,016 -$354,349 Home City (NEON) 51 55 Studio Season Buyins Sources of Income Productions Buyins Home City 23,755 33,693 as % of Total Co-Productions (NEON) 5 5 Home City 67 51 Box Office * 68.3% 71.5% Total 5 5 Co-productions Private Sector 3.2% 4.0% New productions 5 5 Co-productions Home City 23,878 – Other Income 18.7% 15.2% Home City 63 – Government Funding Other Plays Sold Off Contribution ** 9.8% 9.3% Touring 1 – Sold Off Home City – 5,216 Entreprenuerial – 1 Home City – 15 Regional 526 – Total 100.0% 100.0% Co-productions 1 – Regional 11 – Other Capital City 2,637 8,487 Buy-ins 1 – Other Capital City 17 24 International 1,883 – * Includes Ticketing Fees earned on Box Office sales Total 3 1 International 4 – ** Excludes Non-Operating income and netting State New productions 1 1 Education 3,791 2,663 Government Grant Against Payroll tax expense Education 40 23 Profile of plays Development 1,007 – GRANTS OPERATING New Australian (MTC) 3 3 Development 12 – New Australian (NEON) 5 5 Total Paid Performances 236,835 254,435 Commonwealth Existing Australian 1 – Total Performances 676 677 Base $2,106,399 $2,069,154 New overseas 4 1 Regional Total Commonwealth Existing overseas 3 7 Number of Productions 1 – Grants $2,106,399 $2,069,154 Number of Towns 10 – Education Program State Productions 2 1 Base $485,575 $485,575 Tours 1 – Less Payroll Tax Workshops/Forums/Talks 8 5 paid to State -$495,191 -$496,236 Holiday Program 3 3 Total State Grants -$9,616 -$10,661 Ambassador Program 1 1 Project Grant Australia Council (Moths) $– $30,000 Rupert (US) Tour $40,000 $– Arts Victoria (Professional Pathways) $932 $24,068 Tourism Campaign $4,545 $– Playwriting Australia $5,682 $– City of Melbourne NEON $5,000 $– $56,159 $54,068 86 MTC Annual Report 2014

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

TICKETING 7% 2014 INCOME BOX OFFICE 59% TICKETING 7% OTHER INCOME INCLUDING EDUCATION BOX OFFICE 59% AND TOURING 15% OTHER INCOME INCLUDING EDUCATION AND TOURING 15%

DEVELOPMENT 7%

INTEREST RECEIVED 1% DEVELOPMENT 7% GRANT LOST TO PAYROLL TAX 2% INTEREST RECEIVED 1% GRANT LOST TO PAYROLL TAXGRANT 2% 9%

GRANT 9%

2014 EXPENDITURE

DEVELOPMENT 2% MARKETING 6% SALARIES AND ASSOCIATED COSTS 52% ROYALTIES AND DEVELOPMENT 2% COMMISSIONS 6%MARKETING 6% SALARIES AND ASSOCIATED COSTS 52% ADMINISTRATIONROYALTIES 3%AND COMMISSIONS 6% SUBSCRIPTION, ADMINISTRATION 3% CREDIT CARD FEES AND TICKETING 8% SUBSCRIPTION, CREDIT CARD FEES AND TICKETING 8%

THEATRE COSTS 11%

THEATRE COSTS 11% OTHER 2%

PRODUCTION OTHER COSTS2% 10%

PRODUCTION COSTS 10%

90 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 91

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

Notes 2014 2013 Notes 2014 2013 $ $ $ $ REVENUE CURRENT ASSETS Commonwealth Government Grants 2 2,152,081 2,099,154 Cash Assets 22 6,235,371 8,234,855 Victorian Government Grants 3 496,052 509,643 Receivables 12 283,193 146,870 Donations and Bequests 757,698 606,974 Other Assets 13 1,440,769 1,901,535 Sponsorships 656,909 799,212 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 7,959,333 10,283,260 Investment Income 4 316,329 409,217 Retail Sales (Box Office MTC) 5 12,311,512 13,865,543 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Operating funds from Melbourne University 282,500 40,000 Other Income 6 4,962,537 4,372,693 Other Financial Assets 14 6,211,352 2,667,848 TOTAL REVENUE 21,935,618 22,702,436 Property, Plant & Equipment 15 4,807,200 4,855,946 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 11,018,552 7,523,794 LESS EXPENSE TOTAL ASSETS 18,977,885 17,807,054 Salaries and Oncosts 7 11,833,002 12,222,089 Audit and Accounting Services 8 86,121 78,954 CURRENT LIABILITIES Utilities 295,928 310,288 Payables 16 1,836,474 1,069,985 Building and Equipment Maintenance and Repairs 714,428 694,759 Provisions 17 1,045,585 832,226 Computer Software and Services 299,714 224,250 Other Current Liabilities 18 9,246,164 9,689,316 Equipment and IT Purchases 394,677 156,305 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 12,128,223 11,591,527 Stage Materials and Supplies 522,815 549,704 Depreciation and Amortisation Expense 9 130,032 142,778 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Performers & Creatives – Travel, Accommodation & Tour Costs 555,931 533,991 Provisions 17 150,172 121,586 Advertising, Promotion and Publications 1,824,359 1,970,923 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 150,172 121,586 Theatre Venue Rental and Hire Charges 2,032,874 2,518,525 Royalties and Commissions 1,548,154 1,441,634 TOTAL LIABILITIES 12,278,395 11,713,113 Ticketing 343,547 572,254 NET ASSETS 6,699,490 6,093,942 General Expenses 10 1,036,037 1,248,749 TOTAL EXPENSE 21,617,619 22,665,204 EQUITY Reserves 19 3,236,380 2,667,848 NET SURPLUS/(LOSS) 11 317,999 37,232 Retained Surplus 20 3,463,110 3,426,094 TOTAL EQUITY 6,699,490 6,093,942 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR Available-for-sale financial assets: Reserve Incentive Scheme – Capital Gain 19 255,960 260,609 MTC Development Fund – Capital Gain 19 31,589 0 287,549 260,609

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 605,548 297,841 92 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 93

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY CASH FLOW STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Reserve MTC Notes 2014 2013 Retained Incentive Development Inflows/ Inflows/ (Outflows) (Outflows) Surplus Scheme Fund Total $ $ $ $ $ $ Cash Flows from Operating Activities STATEMENT OF CHANGES Inflows IN EQUITY Cash flows from government Balance at 1 January 2013 3,780,442 2,015,659 0 5,796,101 Commonwealth Grants 2,152,081 2,099,154 Victorian Government Grants 496,052 509,643 Surplus for the year (354,348) 98,909 292,671 37,232 Interest received 271,302 310,308 Other income 16,685,605 20,830,580 Other comprehensive income 0 260,609 0 260,609 GST collected/refunded by the ATO (46,282) (129,048) for the year Operating funds from Melbourne University 282,500 40,000 Outflows Balance at 31 December 2013 3,426,094 2,375,177 292,671 6,093,942 Payments to employees (11,584,514) (12,411,247) Payments to suppliers (6,918,992) (11,371,591) Surplus for the year 37,016 25,158 255,825 317,999 Net Cash Inflow (Outflow) from Operating activities 25 1,337,752 (122,201)

Other comprehensive income 0 255,960 31,589 287,549 Cash Flows from Investing Activities for the year Inflow Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 0 0 3,463,110 2,656,295 580,085 6,699,490 Balance at 31 December 2014 Outflow Payment for Pool Units (3,255,955) (391,580) Unrealised gain on Pool Unit Investment 0 0 Plant and equipment purchases (81,281) (146,860) Net Cash Inflow (Outflow) from Investing activities (3,337,236) (538,440)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities Inflows None 0 0 Outflows None 0 0 Net Cash Inflow (Outflow) from Financing activities 0 0

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (1,999,484) (660,641)

Cash at the beginning of the reporting period 8,234,855 8,895,496

Cash at the end of the reporting period 6,235,371 8,234,855

Reconciliation of Cash at end Cash/(Overdraft) 6,213,615 8,214,727 Petty cash floats 21,756 20,128 6,235,371 8,234,855 94 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 95

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements cover Melbourne Theatre Company as an individual entity. Melbourne • General Equipment 20% Theatre Company is a semi-autonomous body controlled by the University of Melbourne. • Scientific and Computing Equipment 33.3% These rates have been consistently maintained and there has been no change from rates Note applied in prior years. Acquisitions are depreciated from the date of purchase; disposals are No. depreciated up to the date of sale. 1.1 Basis of Preparation 1.3 Impairment of assets The Board of Management have prepared the financial statements on the basis that the entity At each reporting date MTC assesses whether there is an indication of impairment for all is a non-reporting entity because there are no users who are dependent on general purpose assets except for inventories, assets arising from employee benefits, investment property and financial statements. These financial statements are therefore special purpose financial financial instrument assets. If there is an indication of impairment, the assets concerned are statements that have been prepared in order to meet the requirements of the 2012 to 2014 tested as to whether their carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the difference is Tri-partite Funding Agreement with the Australia Council of the Arts. The entity is a not-for- written-off by a charge to the Income Statement except to the extent that the write-down can profit entity for financial reporting purposes under Australian Accounting Standards. be debited to an asset revaluation reserve amount applicable to that class of asset. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the mandatory Australian At each reporting date assets previously determined to be impaired are assessed for Accounting Standards applicable to Companies Limited by Guarantee (as specified in the circumstances indicating that an impairment loss recognised in prior periods no longer exists funding agreement) and the significant accounting policies disclosed below, which the Board or may have decreased. If there is an indication that the impairment loss has been reversed, of Management has determined are appropriate to meet the needs of the Theatre. Such the assets concerned are tested as to whether the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying accounting policies are consistent with those of previous periods unless stated otherwise. amount, the difference not exceeding the original impairment is credited to the Income Statement except for revalued assets which are credited to an asset revaluation reserve. The financial statements, except for the cash flow information, have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs unless otherwise stated in the notes. Material Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are presented University estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the below and have been consistently applied unless stated otherwise. The amounts presented in asset belongs. the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest dollar. 1.4 Intangible assets The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the MTC’s functional Software currency Major computer software is recorded in the Balance Sheet at cost less amortisation and where 1.2 Non-Current Assets applicable, any impairment losses. Only the cost of the software is capitalised, installation costs Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where are expensed in the Income Statement in the year they are incurred. Amortisation is provided applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. on a straight line basis at the rate of 33.3%. (i) Freehold Land and Buildings 1.5 Employee Benefits Land is recorded in the Statement of Financial Position at cost, which is considered to equate Provision is made for MTC’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by to fair value. MTC contributed $4,600,000 toward the development of the Sturt Street Head employees at the reporting date. Employee benefits expected to be settled within one year Quarters. The funds contributed by MTC are recognised as interest in the land value: refer to together with entitlements arising from wages and salaries, annual leave which will be settled Note 15. after one year, have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on costs. (ii) Motor Vehicles (i) Annual Leave Recorded in the Balance Sheet at cost less depreciation and where applicable any impairment losses. Liabilities for annual leave have been determined in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 119 Employee Benefits. Annual leave is an entitlement that an employee can (iii) Furniture and Equipment access at any time and is therefore classified as a current liability. Recorded in the Balance Sheet at cost less depreciation and where applicable any impairment (ii) Long Service Leave losses. MTC has a policy of only recording as fixed assets furniture and equipment costing $10,000 or more. Items under $10,000 are expensed. Liabilities for long service leave are measured using the nominal method and the projected unit credit method which measures the present value of expected future payments to be made in (iv) Depreciation respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Where there is no material Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis on all tangible fixed assets other than Freehold difference, the nominal method is used which recognises leave entitlements of employees with Land which is not depreciated. Major Depreciation Rates are: more than four years service. The current portion of the liability is the amount that employees • Motor Vehicles 20% are entitled to take now. • Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings 12.5% • Telephone Equipment (PABX System) 33.3% 96 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 97

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(iii) Superannuation expense in net result, the increment is recognised immediately as revenue in the net result. Employee contributory superannuation funds exist to provide benefits for MTC’s employees Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, and their dependents on retirement, disability or death of the employee. The contributions to the extent that a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same made to these funds by MTC are recorded in the Income Statement. Further details are class of assets, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve. provided in Note 7. Revaluation increments and decrements relating to individual assets within a class of property, 1.6 Revenue Recognition plant and equipment are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in Non-reciprocal grant revenue is recognised in the income statement when the entity obtains respect of assets in different classes. Revaluation reserves are transferred to accumulated control of the grant and it is probable that the economic benefits gained from the grant will funds on derecognition of the relevant asset. flow to the entity and the amount of the grant can be measured reliably. 1.12 Comparatives If conditions are attached to the grant which must be satisfied before it is eligible to receive Comparative figures have been adjusted where there are changes in presentation for the the contribution, the recognition of the grant as revenue will be deferred until those conditions current financial year unless otherwise stated. are satisfied. 1.13 Rounding Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the All amounts shown in the financial statements are expressed by reference to the nearest dollar customers i.e. upon attendance at the show by the subscriber. Money received in advance of unless otherwise specified. the delivery of a service is recorded as a liability and disclosed as unearned income in the financial statements and is brought to account as revenue upon the delivery of the service to Note 2014 2013 a customer. No. $ $ Donations and bequests are recognised as revenue when received unless conditions are 2 Commonwealth Government Grants attached which must be satisfied before it is eligible to receive the contribution. Recognition as From operating activities revenue will be deferred until those conditions are satisfied. Australia Council MPAB Annual Grant 2,106,399 2,069,154 Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest method, which for Moths Development 0 30,000 floating rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument. Dividend revenue is Tour of Rupert to USA – project grant (DFAT) 40,000 0 recognised when the right to receive a dividend has been established. Playwriting Australia 5,682 0 All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax. Please refer Note 25 for reconciliation of timing of receipt and recognition of grants 2,152,081 2,099,154 1.7 Investments Investments in University of Melbourne Pool Units are carried at fair value, and are 3 Victorian Government Grants consequently restated on an annual basis. Income is taken to account as credited to the fund. From operating activities 1.8 Leases Arts Victoria Annual Grant 485,575 485,575 MTC leases a property for storage in Laverton. This lease is an operating lease and payments Professional Pathways 932 24,068 are brought to account in the Income Statement. Tourism Campaign (Arts Victoria) 4,545 0 Neon Kosky talk (City of Melbourne) 5,000 0 1.9 Taxation Please refer Note 25 for reconciliation of timing of receipt and MTC is exempt from income tax pursuant to Part 50.1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. recognition of grants 496,052 509,643 1.10 Cash For the purpose of the Statements of Cash Flows, MTC considers cash to include cash on hand MTC pays State payroll tax due to its status as a department and at bank, at-call deposits and commercial/ bank bills with a maturity of 90 days or less. of the University of Melbourne. The net payment from the Victorian Government is 1.11 Revaluation of Non-Current Assets Operational Grant 485,575 485,575 Accounting Standard AASB 116 Revaluation of Non-Current Assets requires reporting entities to less Payroll Tax Note 7 (495,191) (496,236) measure assets within each class of non-current asset on either the cost basis or on a fair value (9,616) (10,661) basis. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-current physical assets, other than plant, equipment, vehicles and intangible assets, are measured at fair value. Plant, equipment and 4 Investment Income vehicles are measured at cost. (Income) on Reserve Incentive Scheme Note 14 25,158 98,909 In accordance with the not-for-profit requirements of AASB 116, revaluation increments are (Income) on MTC Development Fund Note 14 19,869 0 credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an increment Interest on Cash Deposits 271,302 310,308 reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an 316,329 409,217 98 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 99

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2014 2013 Note 2014 2013 No. $ $ No. $ $ 5 Retail Sales (Box Office MTC) 8 Audit and Accounting Services Gross Box Office Sales 13,330,951 14,831,411 Auditing Accounts less internal MTC ticket fees (1,019,439) (965,868) Auditor General (charged with Internal Audit Charge) 7,238 7,028 12,311,512 13,865,543 Internal Audit Charge (Uni of Melb.) 20,879 20,272 Financial Operations Charge (Uni of Melb.) 1,312 1,274 6 Other Income HR Charge (Uni of Melb.) 2,147 2,084 Costume Hire 24,635 17,327 Price Waterhouse Coopers Review 54,545 48,296 Staff Cafe 152,734 171,214 86,121 78,954 Studio Hire 855 8,504 Program Commission 59,694 75,924 9 Depreciation and Amortisation Expense Education Programme 67,221 49,074 Motor Vehicles 12,831 17,679 Fundraising 76,736 101,051 Furniture 13,613 13,614 Ticketing 1,616,614 1,376,667 Computer Equipment 28,001 21,278 Touring/Entrepreneurial(Excl box office) 291,215 138,784 General Equipment 75,587 90,207 Sponsorship Tickets 103,719 159,034 Software 0 0 Production Income 416,957 33,156 130,032 142,778 Co-Producer Box-Office Profit Share 0 (183,597) MTC Theatre Hire – Internal 1,123,944 970,273 10 General Expenses MTC Theatre Hire – External 401,114 410,814 Patron/Sponsor Benefits 171,919 243,810 MTC Theatre Bar Sales 343,677 381,245 Cartage and Freight 38,066 108,978 MTC Development Fund 235,956 292,670 Staff Training and Development 37,847 56,950 Miscellaneous Income 47,466 370,553 Motor Vehicle Running Expenses 24,329 23,578 4,962,537 4,372,693 Entertainment and Catering 326,281 427,384 Other 437,595 388,048 7 Salaries and Oncosts - 1,036,037 1,248,749 Total Salaries 9,276,577 9,548,341

Superannuation Guarantee Charges 856,897 828,250 Payroll Tax paid to the Victorian Government 495,191 496,236 Workcover 50,879 50,626 Long Service Leave Expense 179,710 (125,178) Annual Leave 519,363 124,254 Other 454,386 1,299,560 Total 11,833,002 12,222,089

Employee Numbers Full-time equivalent permanent and contract 98 101 Full-time equivalent casual 35 33 Average number of employees during the year 133 134 100 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 101

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note DEPARTMENTAL REPORTING for the year MTC Core MTC Note DEPARTMENTAL REPORTING for the year MTC Core MTC No. ended 31 December 2014 Melbourne Theatre Operations Foundation Total No. ended 31 December 2014 Melbourne Theatre Operations Foundation Total 11 Company has the following two departments: $ $ $ 11 Company has the following two departments: $ $ $ INCOME STATEMENT Assets REVENUE Current assets 7,934,305 25,028 7,959,333 Commonwealth Government Grants 2,152,081 0 2,152,081 Non-current assets 10,463,495 555,057 11,018,552 Victorian Government Grants 496,052 0 496,052 Total segment assets 18,397,800 580,085 18,977,885 Donations and Bequests 0 757,698 757,698 Distribution to/(from) MTC Foundation 475,426 (475,426) 0 Liabilities Sponsorships 656,909 0 656,909 Current liabilities 12,128,223 0 12,128,223 Investment Income 296,460 19,869 316,329 Non-current liabilities 150,172 0 150,172 Retail Sales (Box Office MTC) 12,311,512 0 12,311,512 Total segment liabilities 12,278,395 0 12,278,395 Operating funds from Melbourne University 282,500 0 282,500 Other Income 4,726,581 235,956 4,962,537 Net Assets 6,119,405 580,085 6,699,490 TOTAL REVENUE 21,397,521 538,097 21,935,618 Note 2014 2013 LESS EXPENSE No. $ $ Salaries and Oncosts 11,593,747 239,255 11,833,002 12 Receivables Audit and Accounting Services 86,121 0 86,121 Receivables (Current) Utilities 295,928 0 295,928 Sundry Debtors – External 268,152 129,810 Building and Equipment Maintenance and Repairs 714,428 0 714,428 Less: Provision for Doubtful Debts 0 (3,527) Computer Software and Services 299,714 0 299,714 268,152 126,283 Equipment and IT Purchases 393,199 1,478 394,677 Stage Materials and Supplies 522,800 15 522,815 GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 13,902 0 Depreciation and Amortisation Expense 130,032 0 130,032 Sundry Debtors – Internal (owed by Uni of Melb Opns) 1,139 20,587 Performers & Creatives - Travel, Accommodation & 283,193 146,870 551,523 4,408 555,931 Tour Costs Advertising, Promotion and Publications 1,809,712 14,647 1,824,359 13 Other Assets Theatre Venue Rental and Hire Charges 2,031,740 1,134 2,032,874 Prepaid Expense 232,079 478,895 Royalties and Commissions 1,548,054 100 1,548,154 Accrued Income 1,198,952 1,410,771 Ticketing 343,547 0 343,547 Stock 9,738 11,869 General Expenses 1,014,802 21,235 1,036,037 1,440,769 1,901,535 TOTAL EXPENSE 21,335,347 282,272 21,617,619 14 Other Financial Assets NET SURPLUS/(LOSS) 62,174 255,825 317,999 Non-Current Investments Units in Uni of Melb. Investment Pool – Funds Invested from 5,656,295 2,375,177 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR Incentive Scheme Reserve Available-for-sale financial assets: MTC Development Fund 555,057 292,671 Reserve Incentive Scheme - Capital Gain 255,960 0 255,960 6,211,352 2,667,848 MTC Development Fund - Capital Gain 0 31,589 31,589 255,960 31,589 287,549 The Reserve Incentive Scheme Investment came about through grants from The Australia Council and Arts Victoria of $373,000 each, as well as a contribution by MTC of $373,000. The funds have been invested in TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 318,134 287,414 605,548 the University of Melbourne Investment Pool. Each year MTC recognises the capital gain or loss on the Pool Units as well as the income earned from the Investment Pool Units. In 2014, the capital gain on the Investment Pool Units was $255,960 and the income earned was $25,158. The capital gain and income earned is considered to be extra-ordinary income as the amounts are unrealised gains that have not been used to fund operational activities. In 2007 the University Council approved the establishment of the Melbourne Theatre Company Capital Fund (University Trust record 7.247). A capital campaign, MTC@HOME, was conducted from 2007 to 2010 102 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 103

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS to raise funds for the establishment of the MTC Theatre. At the time the fund was established, provision was Note 2014 2013 made that if any funds remained unused at the revocation of the MTC Capital Fund, those funds would be No. $ $ transferred to the Melbourne Theatre Company Development Fund. The revocation of the Capital Fund 16 Payables occured in September 2013 as was the establishment of the MTC Development Fund. Grants and Donations Current can be directed to the fund. In 2014 $235,956 was directed to fund from these sources. In 2014, the MTC Creditors and Accruals – External 1,651,600 957,449 Development Fund earned $19,869 in income and had a capital gain of $31,589. The income and the capital Creditors and Accruals – Internal (owed to Uni Opns) 184,874 170,561 gain have been treated as extraordinary income as they have not been used to fund operational activities. GST payable to the Australian Taxation Office 0 (58,025) 1,836,474 1,069,985 Note 2014 2013 17 Provisions No. $ $ Current 15 Property, Plant & Equipment Employee Entitlements Freehold Land – Annual Leave 522,252 442,561 252 Sturt St – Long Service Leave 519,024 378,813 At Acquisition Costs- 4,600,000 4,600,000 Other 4,309 10,852 Total Freehold Land 4,600,000 4,600,000 1,045,585 832,226 Non–Current Motor Vehicles Employee Entitlements At Cost 199,262 199,262 – Long Service Leave 150,172 121,586 Provision for Depreciation (181,665) (168,834) 150,172 121,586 Motor Vehicles after Depreciation 17,597 30,428 18 Other Current Liabilities – Income in Advance 9,246,164 9,689,316 Furniture 9,246,164 9,689,316 At Cost 136,654 136,654 Provision for Depreciation: (97,384) (83,771) 19 Reserves Furniture after Depreciation 39,270 52,883 Incentive Scheme Reserve Balance at beginning of year 2,375,177 2,015,659 Computing Equipment Reserve Incentive Scheme – Income 25,158 98,909 At Cost 258,053 176,769 Reserve Incentive Scheme – Capital Gain 255,960 260,609 Provision for Depreciation: (165,964) (137,964) Balance at end of year 2,656,295 2,375,177 Laboratory and Computing Equipment after Depreciation 92,089 38,805 MTC Development Fund General Equipment Balance at beginning of year 292,671 0 At Cost 783,418 783,418 Investment – MTC Development Fund 235,956 292,671 Provision for Depreciation: (725,174) (649,587) MTC Development Fund – Income 19,869 0 General Equipment after Depreciation 58,244 133,831 MTC Development Fund – Capital Gain 31,589 0 Balance at end of year 580,085 292,671 Communications Equipment At Cost 36,383 36,383 Total Reserves 3,236,380 2,667,848 Provision for Depreciation: (36,383) (36,383) Communications Equipment after Depreciation 0 0 20 Retained Surplus Balance at beginning of year 3,426,094 3,780,443 Total Property, Plant & Equipment Operating Surplus/(Deficit) 317,999 37,232 At Cost 1,413,770 1,332,485 Transfers to Reserves (280,983) (391,580) At Independent Valuation 4,600,000 4,600,000 Balance at end of year 3,463,110 3,426,094 6,013,770 5,932,485 Provision for Depreciation and Amortisation: At Cost (1,206,570) (1,076,538)

Total written down value 4,807,200 4,855,946 104 MTC Annual Report 2014 MTC Annual Report 2014 105

SUPPORTING NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note Note 2014 2013 No. No. $ $ 25 Cash Flow Information 21 Unrecognised Funds Reconciliation of cash flows from operations with net 1. Sidney Myer Geoffrey Cohen Fund current year surplus In 2004 the Sidney Myer Fund on behalf of Geoffrey Cohen provided an endowment of Net current year surplus 317,999 37,232 $50,000 to the University of Melbourne for the benefit of the MTC Education Program. The net income of the fund will be applied to providing disadvantaged school students with access to Non-cash flows in profit a Melbourne Theatre Company (‘MTC’) main stage production or an Explorations event each to Depreciation and amortisation 130,032 142,778 be known as a Sidney Myer Fund Geoffrey Cohen Scholarship. The scholarships are to be awarded by the University Council on the recommendation of the Executive Director of MTC. Changes in assets and liabilities During 2014 MTC provided 170 tickets for Sidney Myer Geoffrey Cohen AM Scholarship (increase)/decrease in accounts receivable and other debtors (136,323) 72,498 recipients. As at 31 December 2014 the capital of the Fund was valued at $75,467 (2013 – (increase)/decrease in accrued income 211,819 (72,812) $66,321). increase/(decrease) in grants received in advance (10,049) 10,000 22 Cash decrease in prepayments 246,816 81,992 decrease in inventories on hand 2,131 3,330 For reconciliation of Cash, refer the Statement of Cash Flows. (decrease)/increase in income received in advance (433,103) 461,735 23 Subsequent Events (decrease)/increase in accounts payable and other payables 766,485 (676,870) No matter or circumstance has arisen since the end of the financial year that may subsequently (decrease)/increase in provisions 241,945 (182,084) affect the organisation. 24 Timing of Receipt and Recognition of Grants Cash flows (used in)/provided by operating activities 1,337,752 (122,201)

Unexpended Grants Grant Expenditure Unexpended Grants Grants Income Received brought forward from this year carried forward this year previous financial year (Net Grant income) to next financial year Australia Council Triennial 0 2,106,399 2,106,399 0 Tour – Rupert USA (DFAT) 40,000 0 40,000 0 Playwriting Australia 0 5,682 5,682 0 ‘In The Mix’ Development 0 29,951 0 29,951 Australia Council total 40,000 2,142,032 2,152,081 29,951

Arts Victoria Triennial 0 485,575 485,575 0 Professional Pathways 932 0 932 0 Tourism Campaign 0 4,545 4,545 0 City of Melbourne Neon 0 5,000 5,000 0 Arts Victoria total 932 495,120 496,052 0

Total Grants 40,932 2,637,152 2,648,133 29,951