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About Us

The Blue Room Theatre stands on the lands of the Noongar peoples of the Bibbulmun Nation. We acknowledge Elders past and present, and pay our respects to the continuing culture and contribution that all First Nations people make to the life of this city and this region.

The Blue Room Theatre (TBRT) is a member-based not-for-profit and the creative hub for WA’s independent theatre for over 36 years, located in the Perth Cultural Centre. We enable new Australian performance by providing artists with a venue, resources, learning and support to create and present original work. TBRT has launched the careers of Matthew Lutton, Kate Mulvany, Tim Minchin, Claire Hooper, The Last Great Hunt and many more. 

We champion new talent and fresh work year-round, showcasing and developing the most exciting independent contemporary performance from Western Australia and beyond. 

Our program includes our Summer Nights festival each January–February, followed by a dynamic calendar of shows, residencies, professional development workshops, and industry gatherings from March through December. 

We also make our spaces available for venue hire throughout the year. You can get in touch with pete@blueroom.org.au if you’d like to know more, or head to the hire page to find out more.  

Applications for our programs open once a year. The best way to stay in the loop is by becoming a member, and you’ll find key dates, info packs and selection criteria under the Artists section of our website. 

With more than 35 years of providing resources, advocacy, and space for independent performance in Perth, we’d love for you to visit, connect, and experience a show with us. 

Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa OAM – CEO

Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa OAM is a Boorloo-based writer, performer, producer and cultural leader whose work has redefined contemporary Australian storytelling. Across the past decade, her multi-form practice has earned recognition from the Performing Arts WA Awards (2020), Mona Brand Writing Awards (2022), WA Multicultural Awards (2022) and the Australian Sikh Awards (2023). Her stage and screen journey began as a finalist in the Australian Poetry Slam (2014), semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent (2016) and winner of The Moth GrandSLAM (2019). In 2019 she premiered her sell-out show Fully Sikh with Barking Gecko Theatre Company and Black Swan Theatre Company. She has presented at TEDxUWA (2017) and TEDxNewtown (2019), and toured nationally with Missy Higgins and L-FRESH the LION (2016–17), taking her poetry and community-led work across Australia and the world.

Sukhjit is alumni of Impact Australia (2020), where she and her partner, Perun Bonser, developed their rom-com series One of the Good Ones. Their video installation Between Breaths premiered at Goolugatup Heathcote Art Gallery (2022) before touring nationally in 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art’s exhibition Bush Diwan (2022–23). She is an alumni of the Theatre Producers of Colour Broadway program (2023) and the Creative Australia Leadership program (2024–2025). A former storytelling trainer at the Centre for Stories (2018–23), she released her debut hip-hop single Collectables (2023) and her debut novel Fully Sikh: hot chips and turmeric stains (Upswell Publishing, 2025). Sukhjit is currently the CEO of The Blue Room Theatre.

 

Dana Nguyen – General Manager

Dana is an accomplished arts administrator with a rich and diverse background spanning programming, producing, marketing, public relations and event delivery. She began her career as a freelance marketer and producer in the independent theatre sector while completing the Arts Management program at WAAPA, combining strong strategic capability with a deep, ground‑up understanding of the arts ecosystem.

Since entering the industry in 2016, Dana has worked extensively with local, interstate and international artists and organisations. Her experience includes senior leadership and advisory roles such as Senior Marketing Coordinator at ARTRAGE (FRINGE WORLD), Campaign Consultant for the internationally touring Van Gogh Alive experience, Board Member of Propel Youth Arts WA, and Program Administrator and Associate Producer at Perth Festival.

Dana brings a rare blend of strategic insight, operational excellence and genuine care for artists and the wider sector. She is committed to supporting The Blue Room Theatre’s mission and fostering a vibrant, sustainable environment for independent artists.

 

Pauline Sikweti – Finance Manager

Pauline Sikweti manages finances at The Blue Room Theatre. She has a strong interest in Culture & the Arts and finance. This has led Pauline to a career as a freelance bookkeeper/BAS agent to various arts organisations and small businesses. Pauline has been working in the accounts industry for over 20 years and enjoys being surrounded by the creativity that the Arts sector brings. As Finance Manager, Pauline oversees all areas of finance at The Blue Room. Pauline also works with several other arts organisations and not-for-profits.

 

Rhiannon Petersen – Production and Venue Manager

Rhi is a performance maker, visual designer, and lighting technician based in Boorloo (Perth), who makes fun, weird, genre bending art. Rhi completed a BA in Performance Studies in 2015 (Curtin University). Rhi’s previous creations include The Jellyman (The Blue Room Theatre, 2020), Survive the Apocalypse!! (TBRT Online, 2020), The Big Dark (TBRT, 2018), and Shout Lab (Crack Theatre Festival, 2016). Previous lighting designs include Squared Off (Offbase Dance, 2024, Fridays Studio), Homeward Bound (Lazy Yarns, 2022, TBRT), Little Women (Mel and Sal, 2021, TBRT), and Bite the Hand (The Last Great Hunt, 2021, Subiaco Arts Centre); and previous scenography includes Las Hormigas (Pilar Mata Dupont, 2022, PICA), and See You Next Tuesday (Static Drive Co., 2022, Subiaco Arts Centre Studio). Rhi’s work has been described as ‘exciting, pertinent and ambitious theatre’ (Seesaw Mag, 2020).

 

Pete Chuang – Venue and Ticketing Coordinator

Pete (Yu-Ying) Chuang is a creative based in Boorloo, WA. He holds a Master of Arts in Professional Writing and Publishing from Curtin University. His field of interest focuses on cultural differences as expressions of shared topics, like flowers on a common ground. His creative non-fiction writing Homesick has been published in the Portside Review. In his free time, Pete is interested in experimenting languages through translating his own works into Mandarin, English and Japanese.

Pete’s fondness for photography grew from a hobby to his chosen method of storytelling. He journals the urban landscape, the third spaces and the relationships between its inhabitants. Struck by the film Yi Yi (2000), Pete is especially drawn to the backstories beneath people’s facades. His works have been shown as part of a collective at the Perth Centre for Photography.

 

Shuling Wong – Program & Engagement Coordinator

Shuling is a Boorloo-based arts worker whose career began as an independent contemporary dancer working with various choreographers and companies. In 2018, she transitioned into arts management, working and volunteering at major arts and cultural festivals, including AsiaTOPA, Castlemaine State Festival, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Returning home in 2019, Shuling joined FRINGE WORLD before moving to The Rechabite as Arts and Cultural Programme Manager. In 2021, she co-founded OFF-base Dance with Artistic Director Tyrone Lrae Robinson, presenting bold, other worldly contemporary dance works. Shuling is passionate about championing local independent art, fostering community connection and creating engaging, site-response art experiences.

 

Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ – Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ (He/Him) is a Boorloo-based award-winning Creative Producer &  Director, Visual Artist, DJ, Writer, Performer, Disability Support Worker and Community Curator. With extensive experience across Nigeria, the UK, and Australia, he is an interdisciplinary artist expressing himself through photography, filmmaking, theatre, music, live performances, design, and writing. A graduate of Journalism & Media (BA Hons) from University of Hertfordshire (England) & Screen Arts (MArts) from Curtin University, Ayo is constantly learning and evolving as an all-around multidisciplinary creative and arts producer. 
 
As the founder of TAB Family & blue joy theatre co and Co-Founder of The Outsiders & The TOOL Event, Ayo creates platforms for creativity and collaboration between BIPOC and Non-BIPOC people. His work spans curating exhibitions, producing shows, mentoring youths, and performing at renowned venues. He currently serves as the Communications & Marketing Coordinator at The Blue Room Theatre and actively contributes to arts governance as a board director for WAYTCo and Regional Arts WA. 

 

Ailish Beahan – Bar Supervisor

Ailish Beahan is the Bar Supervisor of The Blue Room Bar. Ailish is a hospitality professional, producer, and photographer. She has been working for a decade in Perth venues including theatres, cinemas, art spaces, bars, and restaurants.

She holds a Bachelor of Counselling from Edith Cowan University, and also has a background in Pastry cooking and a love and talent for food and drink. Ailish is passionate about community spaces, producing projects that foster these such as Comedy Loungeroom (2021), City of Vincent and Revelation Film Festival sponsored short documentary Luna, Starring (2024), Outdoor Cinema Horror Wednesdays (2024-present).

Ailish is dedicated to championing everyday people, as well as artists, through events and community spaces, and continues this through the growth of The Blue Room Bar.

 

Reese Horne – Project Officer

Reese Horne (they/them) is a queer and Aboriginal theatre-maker/performer/director/stage manager/producer and current Project Officer for The Blue Room Theatre. They graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2022, and Aboriginal Performance in 2024 of which they were the 2024 recipient of the Artist Relief Fund Student Endowment for the course. Reese’s career has grown as a stage manager and producer; assistant stage managing for Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Black Swan State Theatre Company, and independently producing and stage managing for works performed at The Blue Room Theatre. Their interest in exploring how personal and intimate stories translate to theatre experiences is ongoing as they continue to develop their skills, whilst creating and supporting the making of truthful and engaging works.

 

Ionia Venoutsos – Intern

Ionia Venoutsos (she/her) is an emerging actor, performance maker and writer, based in Boorloo. A 2025 graduate of the Bachelor of Performing Arts at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), she is currently undertaking her Honours Degree, with research surrounding Theatre for Young People (TYP).

Ionia made her professional performance debut in Sam Nerida’s, GAL PALS in the role of Hez at The Blue Room Theatre in 2024. She continues to devise and perform in theatre productions including her most recent performances, Scenes From The Climate Era (WA Youth Theatre Company) for Perth Festival, and Puppet Playtime at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

As a Greek/Italian and Queer woman, she is keen to explore how her identity intersects with her performance practice, both on stage and screen, and is excited to discover new pathways in transforming and devising theatre for young audiences as she continues creating and performing. All the while, interning at The Blue Room Theater with the hope to gain more insight and skills regarding all the behind the scenes work it takes to present incredible performances.

Mallika Macleod – Chair
Governance / Finance & Audit / Accessibility / HR / Leadership & Training / Compliance / Arts Management

Mallika Macleod is a distinguished disability advocate, community leader, and arts administrator. With over 25 years of experience in community and cultural development, she has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the arts and broader society.

As the Director of Client Services at DADAA, Mallika oversaw programs that empowered artists with disabilities to actively participate in the cultural sector. Her leadership ensured that artists receive the necessary resources and support to thrive.

Mallika’s extensive board experience includes roles at Arts Access Australia (Board Member & Chair), People with Disabilities WA (Treasurer), DADAA (Board Member), and the Health Consumers’ Council of WA (Chair). She also serves as a Board Member of the Australian Inclusion Group, contributing her lived experience and professional expertise to advance disability inclusion.

A passionate advocate for nurturing emerging leaders, Mallika emphasises the importance of investing in diverse talent to ensure equitable opportunities across industries. She believes that fostering new leadership is crucial for sustainable and inclusive growth. Mallika has experience in financial literacy, budget and grant management, compliance, risk management, audit, contract, sustainability and fee for service development and delivery.

Mallika’s personal journey as an intercountry adoptee from Sri Lanka and her lived experience with disability following a childhood accident have profoundly shaped her advocacy. She champions the mantra “nothing about us without us,” underscoring the necessity of centering the voices of those with lived experiences in policy and decision-making processes.

Through her unwavering commitment, Mallika Macleod continues to inspire and drive meaningful change, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Raj Doshi – Deputy Chair
Governance / Finance

Raj Doshi is an elected member of the City of Perth Council and brings more than 15 years of financial and community‑focused experience to her role. Originally from the United Kingdom, Raj worked as a financial advisor for the Royal Bank of Scotland across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire before relocating to Perth in 2014.

Living in the heart of the city is deeply important to her. She values its vibrancy, cultural life and walkability. Known for her strong communication skills, Raj approaches even the most challenging conversations with kindness and respect, fostering positive relationships and constructive dialogue.

Raj’s professional background has consistently centred on compliance, sound financial management and strategic decision-making, skills she continues to apply in her work as an Elected Member. She brings a fresh perspective to The Blue Room Theatre, particularly in governance and community engagement.

Her role in local government enables her to connect The Blue Room Theatre with a broad network of organisations, donors and stakeholders across Perth’s arts and cultural sectors. Raj is passionate about strengthening the theatre’s reach and impact and champions its vital role as a unique platform for independent artists in Western Australia.

 

Satvinder Sekhon – Treasurer
Finance / Accounting

Satvinder is an experienced Financial and Management professional and has undertaken a range of senior Finance and Commercial Director roles in the Private, Public and Not For Profit sectors.

Prior to this he worked in the role of Senior Audit Manager for 2 of the big 4 Audit Companies. He has worked in many different countries and challenging environments and has extensive experience in the Strategic Financial Management.

Satvinder is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (UK), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and Fellow Certified Public Accountant (Kenya).

Satvinder is an Alumnus of the Leadership WA 2014 Signature Leadership Program.

Satvinder was selected by the Public Sector Commission to attend the Jawun Program in the Kimberley in 2016.

Satvinder has a keen interest in mentoring and developing leaders from diverse backgrounds and has mentored for the WA Public Sector Inter Agency Mentoring Program.

Satvinder was appointed Non-Executive Director of Arts Access Australia in 2020.

 

Ana Ferreira Manhoso – Secretary
Artist / Behavioural Science / Business Leadership

Ana Ferreira Manhoso is a creative and an organiser based in Wayalup (Fremantle).

She has been managing artists and producing theatre for over ten years, founding Crash Theatre Company and working largely in festival landscapes and artistic touring. After completing her undergraduate studies in behavioural science and a master’s in business leadership, her current working role in tertiary management involves developing strategies aimed to widen participation and diversify the student body by increasing support and educational access for underrepresented cohorts.

Ana is pragmatically passionate about turning ideas and concepts into reality. Through an academic lens of social science and leadership theory, she is focussed on impactful storytelling and promoting transformative benefit and growth for communities and organisations.

As an engaged Blue Room member and practicing artist, Ana champions the pursuit for equitable practice, furthering opportunities, and creating new pathways for independent artists. She believes that The Blue Room Theatre is a sacred gem in the ecology of West Australian arts; the flagship of independent theatre-making, providing fundamental development opportunities to emerging artists that is simply unmatched.

 

Clara Millet
Philanthropy & Fundraising

Clara is a driven individual who aims to help organisations achieve philanthropic and sponsorship growth for positive social change. She holds a degree in law from Barcelona, her hometown, and has completed postgraduate studies in executive business development, marketing, and fundraising. Since 2001, Clara has had a varied international fundraising career working across multiple sectors, including the arts, disability, child protection, and education, in Barcelona, London, Birmingham, and Perth.

In 2012, Clara moved to Australia, where she built a large philanthropic and industry network. She gained experience at World Vision Australia, Murdoch University, and Parkerville Children and Youth Care. Currently, Clara serves as the Bequest Manager at The University of Notre Dame. In this role, she is responsible for the development, growth, and quality of Notre Dame’s bequest program.

Clara completed the Certified Fund Raising Executive Certification in 2023, the only accredited, globally recognised credential for fundraising professionals. She also serves on the Fundraising Institute Australia WA Committee, the state peak body representing professional fundraising in Australia.

You will find Clara horse riding at South Beach in Fremantle in her free time at 5 a.m. She is passionate about horses!

 

Cassandra Nguyen
Artist / Leadership / Media

Cassandra Nguyen is a writer, director and producer based in Boorloo/Perth, Western Australia, her work is predominantly in screen, but more recently, has included the development of live performance pieces. Her short films have screened globally at various festivals such as TIFF Kids, Tokyo Kinder Film Festival, Asians on Film (LA), Multicultural Film Festival (Victoria) and won numerous awards.

In 2024 she was a part of the CAAP Playwrights Lab Cohort (Whadjuk Boodjar) and in 2023 she was selected for a playwrighting workshop facilitated by The Last Great Hunt, resulting in the early development of various theatre works.

Currently, she is the Chair for the Diversity Leadership Group (WA screen), a committee member for WA chapter of the Australian Writers Guild and a grant assessor for the Community Broadcast Fund. She graduated the Office of Multicultural Interests (WA) Leadership and Governance program in 2023.

She is a co-producer on ”I Hate it Here,” short film, which is currently in post-production. The project received funding through Screenwest’s prestigious Elevate70 program. She has written and story-lined on season two of The Heights (ABC TV & Matchbox Pictures) which aired in Australia and in the UK on BBC One. She has completed a month-long artist residency at Forrest Hall supported by the Minderoo Foundation and is part of the 2023-2024 Artist Cohort. In 2021, she was selected as the WA candidate for the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, a highly competitive national writers’ program in Australia.

 

Fiona Potter
Legal / Communications

Fiona’s expertise spans commercial law for major projects in the mining, resources, energy and arts sectors. Over the past 20 years she has practiced in Australia, Asia and the Middle East-North Africa regions. Fiona and Allens have had a long-standing relationship with The Blue Room Theatre, as a trusted pro bono legal services provider for the Blue Room.

Outside of work, her passion for volunteering to give back to the community takes hold. Fiona is a volunteer surf lifesaver and committee member at City of Perth Surf Club and volunteers at a myriad of junior community sports.

Fiona is a problem solver with a professional positivity that is infectious.

CONSTITUTION
The Blue Room Theatre is the trading name of The Performing Arts Centre Society, which was incorporated as an association in 1989.

Click here for the current version of the Constitution for the association.

 

PURPOSE, VISION & VALUES
Here’s a copy of the Purpose, Vision and Values that drive The Blue Room Theatre.

Click here to read out Purpose, Vision and Values

Thank you for your interest, but there are no job openings available at this time. Please check back at another time or subscribe to our mailing list for future job opportunities.