The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) is excited to announce the appointment of theatre producer and performer Sarah Somerville as its new Executive Director.

TAPAC’s Chair Tricia Reade says; “we’re thrilled that Sarah is bringing her wealth of experience to TAPAC. She has worked with professional theatre companies and arts festivals across the country in all aspects of theatre production - from performance and producing to teaching and fundraising. We believe that Sarah’s skills and experience will be a real asset to our vibrant community performing arts hub and will help to grow our programming and events.”

As the founder of children’s theatre company Phineas Phrog Productions, Sarah wrote, directed and produced more than 60 children’s theatre shows and led eight national tours. For the past five years, she worked as the Public Programmes Manager at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), where she was responsible for creating an engaging yearly programme of events and experiences.

Sarah studied at Trinity College, London, earning a Licentiate Diploma for Performing and an Associate Diploma for Teaching. She has a Post Graduate Diploma from Mountview Theatre Conservatoire, London and a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) from Otago University.

A winner of Production of the Year at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards, Sarah has created commissioned works for Auckland Live, the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland Zoo and Fox Search Light. She has also performed as a solo vocalist for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Sarah believes that theatre plays a vital role in society and provides a platform for inspiration, education, innovation, and social change: “I am delighted to be joining the TAPAC team. Creating accessible, safe and nurturing spaces for performers and artists is something I feel very passionate about and I am very much looking forward to the role I can play in continuing to grow and develop TAPAC’s unique and inspiring environment.”