Executive Director Kath Fyffe to step down at the end of 2025

After eight years at Polyglot Theatre, five of those as Executive Director & Co-CEO, Kath Fyffe will step down at the end of 2025. She is returning to Adelaide, where she has accepted the role of Executive Director at State Theatre Company South Australia.

Kath has successfully led Polyglot through several significant transitions, including new Artistic Directorship, a vigorous return to international and national touring and securing new funding to underpin the company’s artistic vibrancy. Her steadfast dedication to fostering a strong working culture built on Polyglot’s core values has been vital to how the company has navigated the past five years.

Sandra Robertson, Board Chair, writes, “Polyglot has flourished thanks to its robust focus on people, creativity and impact. Kath has been instrumental in nurturing this environment that champions care, creative risk-taking and innovation that puts audiences and artists first. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kath and wish her every success in her new role with State Theatre Company South Australia, where we look forward to her continued friendship as a sector colleague.”

Throughout Kath’s Co-CEO leadership, Polyglot has strengthened its focus on equity and inclusion. The company has increased its reach to 41,000 children and families annually, with 85% of audiences accessing its work for free or low-cost. In April 2025, When the World Turns, Polyglot’s collaboration with Oily Cart (UK), originally commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne, was presented by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City as part of its internationally recognised, accessible Big Umbrella Festival.

Kath writes, “As I embark on this next adventure, I have a deep well of gratitude for all that Polyglot has given me. I’ve learnt so much about leadership and creative generosity from Artistic Directors Sue Giles and Cat Sewell, and worked alongside a world-class team and artistic community to bring joy and beauty into children’s lives. Thank you to the supporters and champions of Polyglot who make such important work possible. I couldn’t love this company more, which makes me so very excited for its future.”

During Kath’s tenure, Polyglot premiered six new works with a seventh opening later this month. Her stewardship of the company’s audience and market development strategy resulted in international touring spanning 45 seasons in nine countries since 2021, fostering high demand for Polyglot’s unique participatory work. The company’s commitment to strengthening the Victorian Theatre for Young Audiences sector has also expanded through a new multi-year state-wide project.

Cat Sewell writes, “It has been an incredible three years working with Kath at the helm of this extraordinary company. She is a skillful, kind, intelligent leader and I am delighted for her stepping into this new role. Through projects and partnerships developed and nurtured during her time, Polyglot has a strong, stable foundation to realise the many wonderful artistic projects set in motion. I look forward to welcoming someone new to the company in the same spirit and with the same generosity that Kath welcomed me. Thank you for all that you have done for Polyglot, and for being a fabulous Co-CEO.”                  

Polyglot embraces evolution. With its rich 47-year history, Kath has built on a long legacy of great arts leaders to ensure the company is thriving. A comprehensive, recruiter-led search for Polyglot’s next Executive Director and Co-CEO will commence in the coming weeks.