Margaret Thanos receives prestigious Ensemble Theatre director’s award

·

Margaret Thanos and Emma Canalese have been announced as the recipients of the 2023 Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award (SBDA).

The Award winners will work on two plays throughout 2023 and each receive $8,000.

“This Award aims to explore artistic potential and nurture emerging talent, and Ensemble Theatre is
incredibly grateful to have the continued support from Jinnie and Ross Gavin to again deliver this
opportunity to our local industry,” Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry, said.

“Each year I am impressed by the quality of submissions, and this year was no exception. Selected from 16 entries across Australia, I am thrilled to congratulate both Emma Canalese and Margaret Thanos as the recipients of this year’s award.

Emma Canalese.

“Emma and Margaret are both rising stars who will bring a new dimension to Ensemble Theatre in
2023, and we look forward to working with them both over the next year.”

In a statement, Ms Thanos said she was “absolutely thrilled” to receive the award.

“This award is a fantastic opportunity for an emerging director like myself to step up into
mainstage theatre and be provided with truly valuable skills, mentorship and knowledge that may
otherwise remain a closed door,” Ms Thanos said.

“It is a great vote of confidence in my abilities as a director, and the opportunity to be paid doing what I love is something I am incredibly grateful for. I am so excited to get started!”

Margaret Thanos.

Ms Canalese also said she was “honoured to be given this opportunity to learn from and develop with the artists of Ensemble Theatre.”

This annual award commemorates the legacy of former Artistic Director Sandra Bates, after 30 years
at the helm of Ensemble Theatre.

Mr Kilmurry initiated the SBDA in 2015 and since then, recipients of the award have been mentored
on 25 productions, with several progressing to direct for Ensemble’s 2023 season, including Rachel
Chant, Shaun Rennie, Francesca Savige and Janine Watson.

Awarded each year, recipients of the SBDA are offered a paid position of Assistant Director on two of
Ensemble Theatre’s main stage productions and assist in the ongoing creative development of new
works.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

United Cup 2025: Team Greece drawn with Spain and Kazakhstan in Perth

The world’s best tennis players are set for thrilling matches at the United Cup, the innovative mixed teams event in Perth and Sydney.

Peter Mousaferiadis’ Diversity Atlas shines on the world stage

CEO Peter Mousaferiadis presented the company’s innovation Diversity Atlas to enhance the focus on diversity and inclusion.

Athens Toy Museum inspires ideas for an Australian national doll

Displaying a vast array of childhood toys, the Benaki Toy Museum in Athens gives visitors the opportunity to reminisce about younger days.