Timothy Jones to Departs Seymour Centre

For sixteen years, Timothy Jones has been more than just an Artistic Director and General Manager; he’s been the creative anchor guiding the cultural gem that is The Seymour Centre. Now, as we prepare for his departure in early May 2025, we’re left to reflect on how he elevated the Seymour Centre into the essential, vibrant theatre hub it is today—and what ripples that might set off for Sydney’s performing arts scene.

A Vision That Transcended Brick And Mortar

When Timothy Jones took the reins in January 2009, the Seymour Centre had already established itself as a reputable venue for local theatre and community events. But Jones saw untapped potential. He was determined not just to maintain the venue’s reputation, but to breathe fresh energy into its every corner. Under his leadership, the Seymour Centre became more than a stage space; it was a living laboratory for theatre-makers, students, and audiences hungry for experiences that challenged the status quo.

One of his proudest achievements was the introduction of an annual arts education program that now reaches over 35,000 school students each year. The numbers speak for themselves: in a nation where arts funding can often fluctuate, actively engaging with tens of thousands of young minds is no small feat. Talk to any teacher who’s brought a class to the Seymour Centre, and they’ll attest to the palpable magic that happens when drama, music, and dance intersect with a curious audience of emerging thinkers.

Academic Partnerships: The Heart Of Innovation

In forging dynamic collaborations with the University of Sydney’s faculties and schools, Timothy Jones made it clear that theatre could be a powerful conduit for intellectual and social inquiry. Productions such as MADE TO MEASURE by Alana Valentine in partnership with the Charles Perkins Centre, ART + INFORMATION with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences/School of Performance Studies, and TRANSPARENCY by Suzie Miller in conjunction with Sydney Law School gave students and scholars an immersive way to explore themes often confined to textbooks. Instead of merely discussing ideas in a lecture hall, participants could witness them unfold on stage—raw, immediate, and emotionally resonant.

From an insider’s perspective, these collaborations weren’t mere vanity projects; they were carefully curated to spark dialogue across disciplines. The data we have on audience demographics suggests that these joint ventures significantly broadened the Seymour Centre’s reach. Students who might have otherwise dismissed theatre as irrelevant to their study found themselves volunteering to participate or attend, a testament to how the performing arts can intersect meaningfully with academia.

Transforming Spaces, Creating Memories

Anyone who frequented the Seymour Centre in the early 2000s would surely notice the significant upgrades it has undergone. Under Timothy Jones’s stewardship, numerous major refurbishment projects became reality. These renovations were more than cosmetic; they reimagined how spaces could be used for performance and interaction. Seating was overhauled to ensure optimal sightlines and audience comfort, technology was updated for state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and new communal areas were introduced to encourage conversation before and after shows.

All of this was achieved with an eye towards inclusivity and sustainability. When I last spoke to a technical manager there, he mentioned the introduction of eco-friendly lighting systems and improved acoustics that made the venue even more appealing to touring companies. The result? Fifteen seasons of work from the independent theatre sector, including groundbreaking and award-winning productions such as TROPHY BOYS and THE INHERITANCE, which clinched major wins at the 2024 Sydney Theatre Awards.

A Rallying Point For Independent Artists

It’s no secret that emerging and independent companies often struggle to find consistent, supportive venues. Under Timothy Jones, Seymour Centre became a welcome haven for artists pushing boundaries or experimenting with new forms. Over the years, a roster of remarkable collaborators—SIMA Jazz, Shaun Parker and Company, Squabbalogic, and Sport for Jove, among others—found not just a stage, but a nurturing environment to develop their craft.

The beauty of such residencies lies in the sense of community they foster. Wander backstage on any given night, and you might find a jazz ensemble warming up next to a contemporary dance troupe, each feeding off the other’s energy. In an industry that can sometimes feel fragmented, the Seymour Centre, under Timothy Jones, became a crucible where different artistic disciplines converged and flourished.

Partnerships That Illuminate The City

One of the more surprising facets of Jones’s tenure is the extensive network of partnerships that have emerged. Most theatre centres enter into occasional collaborations, but the Seymour Centre under Jones truly spread its wings. There were alliances with the City of Sydney, Mardi Gras, World Pride, and the Sydney Festival. In fact, in 2022, Jones himself directed the world premiere adaptation of THE MUSEUM OF MODERN LOVE as part of a collaboration between Seymour and the Sydney Festival. That production not only garnered glowing reviews but also drew new audiences who discovered the Seymour Centre for the first time.

Statistics suggest that cultural events like Mardi Gras and World Pride can inject millions into local economies, and the Seymour Centre served as a pivotal venue for diverse performances and community gatherings. This synergy between large-scale city events and a university-based performing arts hub helped position the Seymour Centre as a truly inclusive venue that mirrors the spirit of a modern, multicultural Sydney.

The Man At The Helm

Ask anyone who’s worked closely with Timothy Jones, and you’ll invariably hear about his unwavering passion. Michael Dagostino, the University of Sydney’s Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement, put it best:

Tim has been the heart and driving force behind the Seymour Centre. Under his leadership, the Seymour Centre has flourished as a place of artistic excellence, education, and innovation.

Yet, the driving force behind the scenes is just as much a seasoned artist as a leader. Timothy Jones boasts an extensive background in producing and directing, which lends him a natural empathy for the complexities of bringing theatre to life. When he praises the lighting design in a show or compliments an actor’s nuanced performance, he’s doing so from a place of practical experience. That authenticity has earned him unwavering respect from staff, cast members, and academics alike.

Most headlines about Jones’s departure tout the achievements: the educational programmes, the venue refurbishments, the sold-out runs. But one detail that often goes unremarked is how seamlessly he integrated new technology into the theatre’s storytelling process. I once witnessed a workshop where motion-capture technology was employed in collaboration with the University’s technology departments, all under Jones’s watchful eye. The production didn’t make it past developmental stages, yet it hinted at the bold experiments he quietly supported behind the scenes.

In an era where arts budgets are frequently slashed, the mere act of championing forward-thinking projects—projects that might never see the spotlight—demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to innovation. It points to a deeper understanding that theatre is a living, evolving medium, capable of engaging audiences on levels beyond tradition.

The Next Chapter

So why leave now? Reflecting on his 16-year stint, Timothy Jones remarks,

When I first took on the role at Seymour Centre, I articulated my vision for the Centre’s future: to embrace its integral role within the University of Sydney, drawing inspiration from leading university-based performing arts centres worldwide, presenting work that stirs the intellect and the soul. I’m so proud of what we have been able to achieve over this time.” His parting words carry both pride and excitement: “After 16 years of creating, presenting and producing memorable performances and events, it’s time for me to take my seat in the Seymour as an audience member, and pave the way for the next director to shape the future of one of Sydney’s leading performing arts centres.

This transition hints at fresh possibilities. As we wait to see who will assume the helm, speculation runs rampant. Will the next Artistic Director continue the tradition of forging cross-disciplinary collaborations? Perhaps they’ll introduce new digital platforms or expand on the successful education programmes. Or maybe they’ll chart an entirely different course, bringing in an international flavour that challenges how Australians perceive theatre. Whichever path is taken, the foundation laid by Timothy Jones will serve as a springboard for bold visions yet to come.

A Legacy That Endures

Stepping into the foyer of the Seymour Centre next year, you might still sense Timothy Jones’s imprint in the hum of student chatter or the hush that descends before the curtain goes up. After all, a leader’s legacy in the arts isn’t measured solely by physical refurbishments or ticket sales; it’s measured by the lasting change in how people experience, create, and talk about theatre. Under his custodianship, the Centre cemented its reputation not just as a performance venue, but as a cultural laboratory—where students discover unexpected passions, where independent companies find a home, and where the city at large gains a richer understanding of the world.

Now that he’s stepping away, we can only imagine him—perhaps a bit more relaxed—sitting amongst the audience, ready to applaud the next wave of innovation. If he’s taught us anything, it’s that theatre is a communal endeavour, a perpetual dialogue between those on stage and those in the seats. And as the lights dim on his tenure, we can be certain of one thing: the future of the Seymour Centre shines brighter than ever, precisely because of the groundwork he has so thoughtfully laid.

In the end, that’s the kind of imprint any artist or leader hopes to leave: one that keeps the spotlight on creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of live performance.