Sandra Bates
Sandra was appointed Governing and Artistic Director of Ensemble Theatre in 1986. She has directed more than one hundred productions for the theatre during her 25 years at the helm. Sandra’s most recent directing credits include RAIN MAN (which also toured to Canberra, Penrith & Wollongong), RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA (which is touring nationally in 2012), NINETY, THE RUBY SUNRISE, DUETS, LET THE SUNSHINE, MCREELE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN presented at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre, BURNT PIANO, GLORIOUS, RABBIT HOLE, TRYING, THE DRAWER BOY and SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS which was presented at The Sydney Opera House, Glen Street Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre, Theatre Royal, the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, and toured throughout Australia in 2007.
Some of her highlights include David Williamson’s three plays on community conferencing CHARITABLE INTENT, A CONVERSATION and FACE TO FACE, which toured NSW and Victoria in 2000. Sandra directed FACE TO FACE for Perth Theatre Company which toured regional WA and was presented at the Brazilian Arts Festival.
Sandra also directed the World Premiere of Williamson’s play OPERATOR and the Sydney Premiere of BIRTHRIGHTS. Other highlights include Arthur Miller’s DEATH OF A SALESMAN at the Sydney Opera House which won the Glugs Award for Best Production of 1997. Her production of Miller’s THE PRICE was nominated for a Mo Award for Best Theatre Production in 2002 and in 2005 she directed his play A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE.
Sandra was made a Member in the Order of Australia in 2001 and was awarded the Variety Club Heart Award for her contribution to theatre in 2002. In 2005 Sandra was presented with the SBW Foundation Achievement Award for services to theatre by The Glugs and received The Glugs Award for Best Production of 2006 for SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS and the 2007 Helpmann Award for Best Regional Touring Production.
In 2007 Sandra was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sydney Theatre Critics.