Regulation 8.1.R3 - Melbourne Theatre Company¹

View/Print PDF (25 KB)

Interpretation

1. In this regulation unless the contrary intention appears-
   'the company' means the Melbourne Theatre Company;
   'the board' means the board of management of the Melbourne Theatre Company

Establishment

2. The company is a theatre company and a department of the University.

Aims and objectives

3. (1) The company’s aim is to produce contemporary and classic Australian and international theatre with style, passion and world class artistic excellence in order to entertain, challenge and enrich audiences in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.
   
(2) The objectives of the company are to–
1. provide world class theatre for Melbourne residents and visitors by presenting a subscription season of plays in Melbourne chosen from the world repertoire and wherever practicable, to present those plays to audiences outside Melbourne;
2. present a quality of performance and production that acts as a benchmark for Australian theatre;
3. contribute to the advancement of Australian theatre through the development of artists and theatre workers and the support of other theatre companies and performing arts organisations;
4. build an audience for live theatre in Australia;
5. operate a cost-effective and creative theatre company with the financial capacity to implement its aims now and in the future.

(3) Through the achievement of these objectives, the company will support the University in contributing to and expanding the cultural life of Melbourne.

Board

4. (1) The board comprises-
   
   1. the vice-chancellor or the vice-chancellor's nominee,
   2. one member of Council appointed by Council;
   3. the artistic director of the company,
   4. the general manager of the company,
   5. two members of staff of the University appointed by Council on the recommendation of the vice-chancellor, and
   6. six other members appointed by the Council on the recommendation of the board.

   (2) A person appointed under paragraph (e) or (f) of section 4(1) holds office for three years and is eligible for re-appointment.

(3) In appointing members under paragraph (f) of section 4(1), Council must have due regard to the need to provide for the interests of the general community and must seek to appoint members from a variety of persons with interests in the performing arts and skills relevant to the effective operation of the board. Membership must also reflect gender balance in the community.

(4) Any casual vacancy arising among members appointed by Council is to be filled by Council by the appointment of a person to hold office during the remainder of the term of the member whose office has become vacant.

(5) The board must from time to time, when necessary, elect one of its members to be the chairperson.

(6) The quorum for a meeting of the board is four members.

Functions and powers of the board

5. Subject to any specific direction of Council, the board controls the company and exercises any powers necessary or incidental to carrying out the objects of the company.

Board meetings

6. The board must meet at least four times in each calendar year

Company accounts

7. The accounts of the company must be kept by the University and are to be presented annually to the Council.

The artistic director

1. (1) Council must appoint the artistic director of the company who is to be the head of the department and who, subject to the direction of the board, manages and is responsible for the affairs of the company.

(2) With the consent of the board the director must appoint a general manager and such officers and employees of the company as the director considers necessary.

1 The Union Theatre Repertory Company was established by the University in 1953. In recognition of the financial assistance given by the City of Melbourne, the Company's name was subsequently changed to the Melbourne Theatre Company