Erin Taylor And Adam Deusien Win Ensemble Theatre's 2019 Sandra Bates Director's Award

Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre today announced that the 2019 Sandra Bates Director's Award (SBDA) has been awarded to Erin Taylor and Adam Deusien from 35 applications received.

Erin and Adam will both work alongside Ensemble Theatre's directors on two plays throughout next year and each will receive $8,000.

Mark Kilmurry initiated the Award as a legacy to former Artistic Director Sandra Bates after she retired from her 30 years at the helm of Ensemble Theatre.

Each year the two winners are offered a paid position of Assistant Director on two of Ensemble Theatre's main stage productions and then assist in the delivery of Ensemble Theatre's Boatshed program, each directing a staged play reading and helping with other Boatshed initiatives.

The Award nurtures emerging theatre directors by giving them the opportunity to work as Assistant Director on two Ensemble Theatre productions each year. The applications we received were of a very high calibre and after an extensive interview process we chose Erin and Adam. My huge congratulations to both. Erin will be Assistant Director on FOLK and BABY DOLL and Adam will be Assistant Director on THE LAST WIFE and FULLY COMMITTED in 2019 said Mark Kilmurry.

Previous winners of the Sandra Bates Director's Award have produced their own successful work or have had the opportunity to direct plays added Mark Kilmurry.

Erin Taylor is currently Assistant Director to Darren Yap on JESUS WANTS ME FOR A SUNBEAM at Riverside, and recently directed A GIRL IS A HALF FORMED THING at KXT and EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED at JSPAC Penrith. Her direction of SLUT at the Old Fitz Theatre last year made a big impression in the industry.

Adam Deusien is based in Bathurst and was recently involved with the NSW Artstate Festival. He is a graduate of NIDA's Cultural Leadership Masters and has worked in programming for the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. He recently directed his completely self-made work MAKING IT ALONE and was Assistant Director to Lee Lewis on THE BLEEDING TREE.

The SBDA is now in its fourth year and is kindly supported by Deborah Thomas and Jinnie and Ross Gavin.

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE SANDRA BATES DIRECTOR'S AWARD
2018: LIZ ARDAY AND FELICITY NICOL
2017: Shaun Rennie AND FRANCESCA SAVIGE
2016: PRISCILLA JACKMAN AND JANINE WATSON