Meet Kate Cherry: a seasoned director, producer, and arts executive who blends visionary programming with hands-on leadership to elevate theatre and opera institutions across Australia and beyond. With an MFA from UCLA and a BA from Bard College—both on full scholarships—she has led NIDA to top-10 global rankings and guided Black Swan State Theatre Company through record audience growth and federal funding awards. Kate’s résumé spans directing 54+ professional productions, producing over 100 seasons, and forging groundbreaking partnerships (including Australia’s first National Theatre of China collaboration). She’s opened and revamped multiple venues, taught at top schools (Emerson College, NIDA, WAAPA, UCLA), and directed for companies from Seattle Opera to Melbourne Theatre Company.