NZIF 2023-2025 Artistic Directors Announced
The New Zealand Improvisation Trust (NZIT) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Powell (left) and Jim Fishwick as our new Artistic Co-Directors for the New Zealand Improv Festival (NZIF). Their three-year contract will begin with NZIF 2023, marking the festival’s return after a brief hiatus and the departure of former director and new board member, Jennifer O’Sullivan.
“We were delighted to see such a high calibre of applicants for the role. The level of passion and talent was outstanding, and underscores just how important improvisation and the NZ improv festival is in shaping the future of the arts in New Zealand,” says Claire Alderton, NZIT board treasurer and improviser. “I look forward to seeing the approach Matt and Jim will bring to the creative process, as well as the incredible productions and performances that will result from their leadership. I am excited for what's to come!”
Matt Powell (Te-Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington) spent 12 years with the Court Jesters in Ōtautahi before moving to Te-Whanganui-a-Tara in 2015, where he joined the NZIF team as Registrations Coordinator. He has performed, directed, and/or taught at every NZIF since 2013, as well as being invited to teach at Improvention (Canberra), Brisbane Improv Festival, and FÉRIIR (Réunion Island). A founding member of Locomotive and Late Night Knife Fight, and a former member of WIT and PlayShop, he has also written and directed several plays for young audiences, and is a three-time Wellington Pun Battle champion.
Jim Fishwick (Eora/Sydney) is an award-winning director, teacher, actor and writer. They have been in demand as a theatre maker and consultant around Australasia for over a decade and have taught with Impro Melbourne, Improv Theatre Sydney, Academy of Improvisation, and the University of Sydney. They are the general manager of Jetpack Theatre in Sydney, write for the BBC quiz show Only Connect, and were the Workshops Director for NZIF 2021.
“We’re extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to carry on the kaupapa of a festival that has been such an important part of our improv journey,” says Matt. “We know how much NZIF means to everyone who’s been a part of it, and we look forward to all the exciting opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth that the Festival brings.”
“We’re very grateful to the members of the NZIT for trusting us with such a beautiful festival,” added Jim. “In particular we’d like to thank outgoing director Jennifer O’Sullivan and recognise her fantastic kaitiakitanga of the Festival over the last decade. We’re thrilled to be picking up the reins from her and can’t wait to get started.”
The duo have collaborated in the past in projects such as The Saboteur and NZ Improv Festival 2021, and both have cultivated a reputation for high quality performance, direction, and supportive creativity. Next steps for the pair include confirming and announcing 2023 festival dates, and gathering a production team for its delivery. Watch this space!