Chris Bendall is a nationally respected and award-winning arts leader, artistic director, programmer, producer & dramaturg. He has been Director & CEO of Critical Stages Touring since 2014, connecting outstanding professional theatre and live performance with regional and metropolitan audiences across Australia and New Zealand (2014- present). He was previously Guest Curator of the 2013 National Play Festival for Playwriting Australia and Artistic Director & CEO of Deckchair Theatre (2008-2012) in Fremantle WA. He was Artistic Director of Theatre @ Risk in Melbourne (2001-2007) & Resident Director at Melbourne Theatre Company (2002-2006).