Penny has been a key part of Patch’s leadership team through a period of significant change and growth, helping the company reach new audiences, develop new opportunities and take its work to new places.
Penny joined Patch Theatre in December 2018 as Company Manager, moving into the General Manager role in mid 2020. Penny has played an important role in Patch’s growth and development, helping to guide the company through a period of significant artistic, organisational and audience expansion. This included establishing our three core program streams — in-school and interactive installations alongside traditional in-theatre programs — which have enabled wider and greater audience access.
Patch Theatre Chair, Sam Haren, says: “Penny will leave very big shoes to fill at Patch. Over the past eight years, she has been an enormous part of the company’s growth and evolution. Working alongside Geoff Cobham and Teena Munn, Penny played a major role in reimagining Patch as a company that offers uniquely immersive and participatory work for young audiences and in building Patch’s reputation nationally and internationally. Her contribution has touched every part of the organisation and she has brought great care, energy and commitment to the company. We are incredibly grateful for everything Penny has given to Patch, and she leaves a strong foundation for the next chapter.”
During Penny’s tenure, Patch premiered 13 new works, has undertaken 78 South Australian, 80 national and 44 international seasons. The company has strengthened its position as a leading creator of contemporary theatre for young audiences, expanded its touring across South Australia, Australia and international markets, and deepened its commitment to making exceptional arts experiences accessible to children wherever they live.
Patch’s programs reach an audience of 50,000 people every year. Presenting over 1,000 performances annually offers vital employment opportunities for performers, crews and creatives and in sustaining South Australian careers.
Penny says: “It has been an enormous privilege to work alongside such an extraordinary group of artists, staff, partners and supporters. Patch is a very special organisation with an ambitious vision for the role theatre can play in children’s lives, while celebrating its amazing 50+ year legacy across so many generations. Collecting stories for the 50th birthday of Patch opened my eyes to the extraordinary reach this company holds in the arts sector. Expanding the Regional Reach program in South Australia is especially close to my heart, and seeing first hand the excitement and wonder of those children experiencing performance for the very first time fills me with joy. I have loved growing my leadership skills, collaborating with Geoff Cobham’s unique artistic vision and powerhouse producer Sasha Zahra in being custodian of a positive, caring and human-centred organisation. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and excited for the bright future of the company.”
Patch Theatre embraces change and new beginnings, and Penny has built upon the legacy of great arts leaders to ensure Patch continues to evolve and thrive.
Penny will remain with Patch until the end of 2026 to allow for a transition with the incoming General Manager.
We thank Penny for her enormous contribution to Patch and wish her all the very best for what comes next. 💙
Applications for the General Manager role are now open. Please find further information about the role and recruitment process here.
