October E-News

“Magic meets accessibility”

October has been a vibrant, full month. Our bold new production, Whirlwind, premiered at the Immigration Museum, and was honoured with the Melbourne Fringe Best in Kids Award. As we celebrate this wonderful achievement, we also prepare for a bittersweet farewell to our Executive Director and Co-CEO, Kath Fyffe, who will step down at the end of the year to take on the role of Executive Director at State Theatre Company South Australia.

Amidst the energy of Spring, we remain grounded in our connection with the children and families who inspire our work and mission. Following Whirlwind’s debut season, one parent shared: “Magic meets accessibility. Every young person was invited to play at their pace, whether it was with the incredible Polyglot performers, at the [making] station, or in the quiet space. So wonderful!”

It’s reflections like these that remind us why we do what we do — to share the joy of play and creativity with children everywhere, empowering them through meaningful access to the arts.

Whirlwind – Best in Kids at Melbourne Fringe

We’re thrilled that Whirlwind was awarded Best in Kids at the 2025 Melbourne Fringe Awards! This joyful recognition caps off an incredible premiere season at the Immigration Museum, presented by Melbourne Fringe and supported by Museums Victoria.

Huge thanks to the more than 340 children and families who joined us — your laughter, ideas, and play filled the Long Room with energy and colour. The air truly swirled with imagination! We can’t wait to see where Whirlwind spins to next.

Whirlwind. Photos: Laura May Grogan

Polyglot seeks new Executive Director and Co-CEO

We’re seeking an Executive Director & Co-CEO to provide dynamic, collaborative leadership alongside our Artistic Director. This role calls for a passionate advocate who can champion Polyglot’s vision, strengthen partnerships, and expand global markets for our acclaimed work.

We’re looking for a strategic, creative thinker with strong business acumen and a deep understanding of the artistic process. The position is full-time, based in Melbourne/Naarm, with some national and international travel.

Polyglot is committed to building workplace diversity across all levels of our organisation, and we strive for accessibility and inclusivity in all our practice. We particularly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Applications close 5pm AEDT, Wednesday 19 November 2025.

Children’s Week 2025

At Polyglot, every week is Children’s Week. We advocate for the right of all children to experience arts and culture, and promote the importance of young people as a discerning audience from the earliest years.

As well as our Whirlwind premiere, our 2025 Children’s Week celebrations included:

• Collaborating with Satellite Foundation to deliver a week-long Wish Street residency at a regional primary school, offering space where theatre-making and family mental health awareness intersect, and brave conversations can happen
• Sharing our distinctive philosophy and process with early learning educators in a professional development workshop, with a focus on child-led practice and facilitating authentic agency; and
• Polyglot’s Executive Director and Co-CEO, Kath Fyffe, visiting Daejeon for the 2025 AAPPAC Conference, joining arts leaders from across the Asia-Pacific to discuss ideas, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration in the performing arts sector.

Since 1978, we’ve championed opportunities for children to play, create, and lead. Every child deserves access to art and creativity — and Polyglot is committed to making this possible with safety and care.

Wish Street. Photos: Sarah Walker

Forest workshops at Gresswell Forest

“Forest has reinforced my belief in the theatrical potential of sensory engagement, the joy of collaborating with nature and the power of simplicity.” Briony Farrell, Generator Artist

Children 4-9 years and their adults are invited to join us at Gresswell Forest, Bundoora, to help us make a brand-new interactive show.

Directed by Cat Sewell, Forest is a participatory theatrical experience set in real forest environments. In these workshops, children and families will collaborate with Polyglot artists to explore the connection we have to forests, and the creatures and characters within. Together we will rediscover the Gresswell bushland, creating and playing in the wild spaces among the trees.

Saturday 22 November, 11.30am and 2pm. FREE, bookings essential.

Please note: photography and filming will take place across both sessions for general marketing and promotional purposes. Families will be asked to sign a release form on arrival.

Forest. Photos: Sarah Walker.

Thank You

Whirlwind was developed with support from Melbourne Fringe and The Robert Salzer Foundation. The premiere season has been Fringe Funded, as part of XS, with thanks to Daniel Besen, and Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer, and supported by Museums Victoria. It has been made more accessible with support from Access Fringe.