Rising theatre director Jessica Arthur steps into a new role at Sydney Theatre Company.

Jessica Arthur has been appointed as Sydney Theatre Company’s new Richard Wherrett Fellow. She succeeds Paige Rattray, who held the post before becoming the Associate Artistic Director at Queensland Theatre.

^{Jessica Arthur. Photo by James Green}

The Richard Wherrett Fellowship is a prestigious career pathway opportunity for emerging and developing directors. As well as Rattray, previous STC Richard Wherrett Fellows include Imara Savage, Sarah Giles, Lee Lewis, Wayne Blair, and Joseph Couch.

Arthur joins an impressive team of STC resident artists including Savage (Resident Director), Elizabeth Gadsby (Resident Designer) and Tommy Murphy (Patrick White Fellow). Established during Andrew Upton’s time as Artistic Director, the STC’s resident artists programme provides professional development opportunities, valuable access to key personnel and resources, and support to pursue interests and projects outside of the Company. Resident artists also work closely with Artistic Director Kip Williams and play a central role in STC’s daily life.

Arthur completed her Bachelor of Performing Arts at Monash University in 2013, and graduated from NIDA’s directing course in 2014. She has directed a number of independent productions, including Intoxication...