News
La Boite Honours Courtney Stewart as Her Tenure Concludes and Announces Advisory Panel
La Boite Theatre has today announced that Artistic Director and CEO Courtney Stewart will conclude her four-year tenure next month.
Her departure marks the close of a defining chapter for the company as La Boite moves beyond its centenary and begins shaping the next era of its artistic life.
Since 2022, Courtney has led La Boite through a period of significant artistic and organisational momentum. Under her leadership, the company secured entry into the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework, delivered its landmark centenary year, premiered its first international co-production and launched its inaugural Giving Day, deepening philanthropic engagement.
Her time at La Boite has been marked by bold programming and strengthened national and international relationships, including collaborations with Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, National Theatre of Parramatta, Griffin Theatre Company and Singapore Repertory Theatre.
Stewart said leading La Boite has been the highlight of her career.
"La Boite is a truly exceptional company, one with a remarkably resilient history and an equally exciting future filled with possibility,” Stewart said.
“You can feel the blood, sweat and tears of every human being who has given their time to the company. Always in the pursuit of leading culture and shaping the industry. I treasure every artist, every collaborator and every audience member I've met and worked with during my time.
"Few companies in Australia carry the legacy of La Boite. For more than 100 years, it has been a home for artists to stretch into every corner of their practice, to take risks they normally wouldn't. These artists have gone on to shape cultural organisations and raise new audiences across the country.
"I developed my love and passion for new work at La Boite as an actor back in 2017 and it has been the most meaningful work of my life to lead the company into its second century as Artistic Director.
“I am so incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and I look forward to seeing the company continue to evolve and thrive in 2027 and beyond."
“I am so incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and I look forward to seeing the company continue to evolve and thrive in 2027 and beyond."
La Boite Chair Adam Brunes said Courtney’s impact on the company is profound.
“Courtney has led La Boite with extraordinary energy and integrity at one of the most important moments in our history,” Brunes said.
“She has championed artists, expanded what La Boite can be and used her leadership in service of a more inclusive and generous industry. Her time at La Boite has been defined not only by artistic excellence, but by kindness, care and an unwavering commitment to others.
“It has been a joy and a privilege to work alongside her.”
Brunes said the Board was advised of Courtney’s decision in January and has since been working to ensure continuity of leadership and a considered transition.
“We are pleased to appoint current General Manager Ian Prowse as Interim CEO, providing strong and steady leadership for the company through this next phase,” Brunes said.
“The appointment of La Boite’s next Artistic Director is one of the most important decisions we will make for the company’s future and requires careful consideration about the kind of artistic leadership that will shape the next 100 years.
“To support this, we have convened an Artistic Advisory Panel to curate La Boite’s 2027 season, ensuring continuity of artistic ambition while creating space for a thorough national recruitment process.”
The interim Artistic Advisory Panel comprises prominent Australian theatre leaders David Berthold, Sue Donnelly and Aunty Roxanne McDonald, who collectively bring decades of experience across artistic direction, producing, new work development and cultural leadership, alongside a deep and enduring connection to La Boite.
“This panel reflects the deep regard held for La Boite across the industry and the generosity of artists and leaders willing to step forward at this moment,” Brunes said.
“As we look to the future, it is essential that we take the time to appoint the right Artistic Director to lead the company into its next exciting chapter.
“With Ian’s stewardship and the guidance of this extraordinary panel, we are confident in both the strength of the 2027 season ahead and the boldness, ambition and care that will shape what comes next.”
La Boite’s 2027 season will be announced later this year.
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Eliza Mark: eliza@aruga.com.au | 0421 780 355