23 Jul 2010
Rumours have been rife all through the Theatre industry- Facebook has been running hot, and text messages flying around New Zealand. We can now tell you officially, or confirm that rumour you heard, that Martyn Wood is the new BATS Programme Manager.
Originally an actor (graduating from Toi Whakaari in 2006), Martyn has been lured in the world of Arts Management by way of producing numerous independent productions. As a producer his work includes Mr Marmalade at BATS in 2008 which garnered the Chapman Tripp Production of the Year. Outgoing Programme Manager Steph Walker worked with him then, found him sweet to deal with, and is stoked to be showing him the many ropes of the job.
Steph Walker is leaving BATS to be General Manager of the Christchurch Arts Festival. Steph leaves BATS in a strong position, with further practitioner development support and communications in place, a revamped website and online presence, and a consistently fresh, dynamic, local programme of work. Shes seen a STAB commission tour to the Sydney Opera House, and a whole heap of people get their foot in the Theatre door. BATS has more show pitches coming in from outside Wellington than ever before, proving that BATS is indeed the place to go in New Zealand if you want to see new New Zealand work.
Victoria Spackman, chair of the BATS board, says:
"While we are sorry to see Steph leave, we are very excited about Martyn Wood joining BATS in the key role of Programme Manager. Martyn will no doubt continue the excellent work which Steph has been doing, while putting his own stamp on the BATS programme. Martyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of New Zealand theatre and performance to the role. Were looking forward to seeing him contribute to the next phase of BATS and to the careers of New Zealands emerging practitioners.
We wish Steph well in her role as General Manager at the Christchurch Arts Festival. We are very proud that yet another BATS alumna will be having a significant influence on the arts in New Zealand on her departure from BATS."
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