HotHouse announces new boss

HotHouse Theatre today announced the appointment of Jon Halpin as the company’s new Artistic Director.

Jon is one of this country’s most talented Directors having directed for companies including Queensland Theatre Company, HotHouse Theatre, and Queensland University of Technology.

He was Associate Director for Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) for four years and has most recently held the positions of Artistic Associate with QTC and as Associate Artists with Metro Arts – Brisbane.

As a Director for HotHouse Theatre, Jon has worked on the Helpmann Award nominated show The Messiah (2006 season and 2007 National Tour) and co-wrote and directed Australia!The Show!, which premiered on the border in 2009 and will tour in July 2010.

Jon has also had extensive experience working on new Australian plays. He was invited to the Australian National Playwrights conference as director in 2004 and 2006 and was Director/Dramaturg for Playwriting Australia in 2007 and 2008.

Lisa Mahood, Chair of HotHouse Theatre said that the selection panel were impressed at the calibre of arts professionals who were interested in working with the company and was excited to have been able to secure Jon for the role.

“Jon’s experience and knowledge of the national theatre industry will provide the company with opportunity to develop relationships with many artists across the country,” she said.

“We are pleased to appoint someone who knows the company so well and who already has a great relationship with our local community.”

Mr Halpin will start working with the company on Monday May 17 from Brisbane and will join the company in Albury Wodonga from the beginning of June.