Turn and Face The Change.

After more than three decades of involvement, I have recently stepped away from my role with JUTE Theatre Company.

JUTE has been a significant part of my professional life. As a founding member, former Board Chair, long-time artistic contributor, conference runner, Playwright Development program manager, and most recently Senior Creative Producer, for seven years full-time, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary artists, staff, board members and community partners to build work that reflects the complexity and creativity of our region.

Together with my JUTE colleagues, I developed pathways for emerging artists, supported new writing, created models to boost diverse voices in our productions, toured work, championed young directors, mentored young performers, secured funding for ambitious projects, and created spaces where local stories could be told with integrity and care. I remain deeply proud of that contribution.

My departure has been formalised by mutual agreement, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to close this chapter respectfully. I wish the company continued strength as it evolves, and I expect it will continue to champion regional voices and nurture the next generation of theatre-makers in Far North Queensland.

As for me, I’m moving into a new phase of professional practice. Go me! This phase allows me to focus on writing, mentoring, creative development, and selective producing partnerships. After so many years embedded in a single organisation, it feels both poignant and energising to re-imagine what the next season of work might look like.

To the many collaborators, artists, audiences and dear friends who have shared this journey: thank you. The work matters. It always has.

I look forward to staying connected and to continuing to support the arts in our region in new ways.

— Kathryn Ash-Laughton