Appointment of new Board members

Polyglot Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors – Sandra Robertson and Jacob Boehme.

A Canadian by birth, Sandra Robertson has over 20 years’ experience in fundraising for the not-for-profit sector. She is currently the Director, Development at Melbourne Recital Centre. Prior to this, Sandra held a grants management role in local government and development roles with the National Ballet of Canada and Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF). She was also Deputy General Manager of the Melbourne Festival. As a consultant she has provided strategic development and business planning advice to a range of Australian arts organisations. Sandra has an honours business degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Canada and a Masters of Marketing from Monash University. She is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School. Previous board memberships include the Monash Gallery of Art and Grants Network Victoria.

“It is a privilege to join the Board of Polyglot.  I was inspired by my mentor Betty Amsden’s love for the company and admiration for Sue Giles, who is a national living treasure. I love the fact that Polyglot begins and ends with children’s infinite creativity. This is a world-leading approach that deserves recognition and support.” Sandra Robertson

Jacob Boehme is a Melbourne born and raised artist of the Narangga and Kaurna Nations, South Australia. He was the founding Creative Director of YIRRAMBOI Festival and recipient of the 2018 Green Room Award for Curatorial Contribution to Contemporary and Experimental Arts. Alumni of the Victorian College of the Arts (MA in Arts – Playwriting, MA in Arts – Puppetry), Jacob is a multi-disciplinary theatre maker and choreographer, creating work for the stage, screen, large-scale public events and festivals. His critically acclaimed solo work Blood on the Dance Floor (2017 Green Room Award Best Production) is touring internationally from 2019. Jacob is a member of the International Advisory Panel for the Calouste Gulbenkian UK Enquiry into the Civic Role of Arts Organisations and the Ministry of Culture Taiwan South East Asia Advisory Panel. He recently received the Australia Council for the Arts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Fellowship at the 12th National Indigenous Arts Awards.

“Polyglot is an international leader in experiential theatre made for and with children. Sue Giles and Polyglot have played a vital role in my development as a visual/dance artist. As a former Polyglot artist, it is a privilege to join the Board and to give something back to an organisation that has given so much to myself, to the sector and to millions of young creative minds around the world.” Jacob Boehme

Sandra and Jacob join Polyglot’s current Board Directors: Sarah Hunt (Chair), Mario Agostinoni (Treasurer), Belinda Bowman, Kathy Fox and Dr Mark Williams.

“I am delighted to welcome respected leaders Jacob Boehme and Sandra Robertson to Polyglot Theatre’s Board. Jacob’s connection to Polyglot’s artistic work is long-standing, and we know the company will benefit greatly from his broad knowledge and strong connections in First Nations artistic communities in Australia and internationally. Sandra is a fundraising expert who will offer great insight and expertise to Polyglot’s development strategy. Her connection to the late Betty Amsden AO, Polyglot’s much loved patron, is also deeply valued.” Sarah Hunt, Polyglot Chair.

Polyglot Theatre is Australia’s leading creator of interactive and participatory theatre for children and families. The company’s vision is of a future where children are powerful: artistically, socially and culturally.

From its home in Melbourne, Polyglot creates extraordinary theatrical experiences and facilitates transformative community projects. Its work tours around the globe, delighting children everywhere, and the company shares its unique practice through collaboration with artists and creative organisations.