Margot Politis to Step Down as Artistic Director of Milk Crate Theatre
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- May 6
- 3 min read
To our beautiful Milk Crate Theatre Community, Peers and Supporters,
Milk Crate Theatre announces that Margot Politis will step down as Artistic Director on Friday 11 July 2025, after a decade of visionary and transformative creative leadership.
Reflecting on her time with the company, Margot shares:
"After an incredible decade with Milk Crate Theatre, it is with bittersweetness I announce that I am stepping down as Artistic Director. I can't even begin to recount all of the incredible and bewildering, heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments this company has brought to my life and career.
The opportunity to work here came to me like a universal gift. Taking over from the brilliant Sarah Emery as Associate Director in 2016 - I felt so excited, and yet also nervous about being able to execute such important work to the level it deserves. And not for a single day since have I taken for granted the vital part this company plays in the arts landscape of Australia.
Thank you so much to the wonderful staff I have been honoured to work alongside during this time, especially Jodie Wainwright, Jessica Pantano, Jessica Saras and Laura Hurstfield; we have been through a lot together, and I treasure these experiences deep in my heart. I also express my profound gratitude to the hundreds of artists and arts workers who have worked alongside not only myself, but with the company as a whole for the last 25 years. What an indelible mark we have made as a creative collective.
But most of all, to the Collaborative Artists who are irrevocably the heart of this company - thank you. Thank you for welcoming me, and for trusting me with your precious stunning artistry. I have been changed in ways that will stay with me forever, as both an artist and a human. You all mean the world to me, and you are the champions of this organisation.
I cannot wait to see where you take it next."
Under Margot's fearless and compassionate leadership, Milk Crate Theatre has become one of Australia's most respected arts companies working at the intersection of creativity and social justice. Her pioneering approach to co-creation, artistic integrity, and deep respect for community-led storytelling has redefined what inclusive theatre can be.
"Margot's contribution has been nothing short of extraordinary," said CEO Jodie Wainwright. "She has led with vision, integrity and immense heart - transforming not only this company but also the communities we work alongside. It's been an honour to work beside her."
"We wish Margot all the best for her future endeavours and can't wait to see what she does next. We also know that Margot will forever be part of our Milk Crate Theatre family and thank her not just for her contributions to Milk Crate Theatre but also for the care, passion and dedication she has shown Milk Crate over the last decade."
Margot's legacy includes a thriving ensemble of Collaborative Artists, a nationally recognised methodology for creative collaboration, and a bold culture of radical inclusion that continues to inspire the sector.
To honour her remarkable impact, Milk Crate Theatre will host a farewell afternoon tea on Wednesday, 9th July at Alexandria Town Hall to offer Artists, Community Members and Sector Colleagues the opportunity to reflect, celebrate and share in the legacy Margot leaves behind. Details will be announced soon.
As Margot steps away from the role, Milk Crate Theatre remains in strong and capable hands. CEO Jodie Wainwright will continue to lead the company alongside it's passionate team and Board, guided by a dynamic artistic program and strategic vision. Margot's position will not be immediately replaced; instead, her responsibilities will be distributed across the existing team, giving the team and Board the opportunity to review structure and opening space for exciting new creative possibilities.
For all questions regarding Margot's departure, or to share a personal farewell, please contact: margot@milkcratetheatre.com or jodie@milkcratetheatre.com
With deepest gratitude,
Margot Politis and Jodie Wainwright
May, 2025
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