Board Directors

Polyglot Theatre is seeking new Board Directors to support the company in achieving its strategic vision.

About Polyglot Theatre

Polyglot Theatre is a world-renowned contemporary theatre company based in Melbourne/Naarm making exceptional arts experiences with and for children aged 0-12 and their families. Our unique brand of theatre encompasses a wide variety of forms and is shared with audiences everywhere, from the world’s most prestigious theatres to the football grounds of regional Australia.

Polyglot’s mission is to make transformational, playful arts experiences for children everywhere. Through immersive participation, our work empowers children to be in control, to communicate their ideas and imagination, and experience joy and connection.

We work and create in line with our values:

• Children are central – as participants, agents, creators and collaborators.
• Play – play is the basis for our creative exploration and vital for children’s development, health and wellbeing.
• Equity – we respect all people and strive for equitable engagement. Access and inclusion are prioritised in everything we do.
• Sustainability – we make decisions holistically to ensure an environmentally, creatively and economically sustainable future.
• Leadership – we lead change with courage, conviction and care.
• Innovation – we approach our art and work with curiosity, rigour and daring.

Polyglot Theatre is a Child Safe organisation. You can read our Child Safe policy here.

The Role

The Polyglot Board currently consists of six members. We are seeking to add three new members to bring us to a Board of nine.

As a volunteer Board Director for Polyglot Theatre, you must have a passion for the arts and young people, be available for approximately six meetings per year and be prepared to contribute for a term of three years. We are based in Melbourne/Naarm but may consider applicants based in other locations, including regional Australia.

The Polyglot Board is entrusted with providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and financial stewardship. This role entails active participation in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, fostering financial sustainability, and supporting key stakeholder relationships. Board Members collaborate to make key decisions and work closely with the Executive leadership team.

Polyglot’s programming and day-to-day operations are led by our Artistic Director and Executive Director in a co-CEO leadership model, supported by a core team of seven staff.

Diversity & Inclusion

Polyglot Theatre was founded on the understanding that diverse voices are what builds communities, empowers children and creates great theatre. This remains central to who we are as a company. We value different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds, and know the importance diversity plays in enriching both our organisation and our art. We are actively placing diversity as a priority through this Board recruitment process; it is important that our governance reflects the communities and artists we serve.

Polyglot collaborates with audiences and communities that include children and young people, people with disability and/or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, First Nations people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are committed to building workplace diversity across all levels of our organisation, and to continuing to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of our practice. Diversity is central to innovation, and access and inclusion are key ingredients to unlocking our potential.

Polyglot has a policy in place to reduce barriers to participation on our Board of Directors. A range of supports are available for eligible members to ensure equitable participation.

Board Priority Areas

While we are keen to hear from anyone who has an interest in Polyglot’s work, leadership experience and skills to offer, we particularly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from a range of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

We are also specifically seeking candidates with skills in the following areas:

• People and Culture / Human Resources
• Law
• Children’s health research
• Education
• Philanthropy

Learn more & apply: https://polyglot.org.au/board-recruitment-2025/