Tim O'Connor (theatre director)

Tim O'Connor (born 13 September 1981) is an Australian theatre director, producer and playwright.

For other people named Tim O'Connor, see Tim O'Connor (disambiguation).

Tim O'Connor
O'Connor in 2019
Born (1981-09-13) 13 September 1981
Brisbane, Australia
Occupation(s)Theatre director, theatrical producer, playwright, author
Years active1993–2022

Career

As of 2023, Tim O'connor is no longer CEO of Hayward st Theatre and the associated businesses have ceased to exist. The former theatre venue is now tenanted by Qld National Ballet School.

When O'Connor finished school he volunteered in the office at Harvest Rain Theatre Company for three years. He was eventually employed and became more involved in administrative work.[1] His first paid directors role was for a community play for Harvest Rain .[2]

When the opportunity arose he took over the role of running Harvest Rain.[1]

Since 2004, O'Connor was the Artistic Director of the Harvest Rain Theatre Company and subsequently became the CEO.[2][3] However, as of December 2022, Harvest Rain Theatre Company (now rebranded as AVT Live) is reported as closed.[4]


In an interview, O'Connor said

... when I was coming up the ranks, so many people told me I’d never make it, ... But I say just because something hasn't been done doesn't mean it can't be done. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way. Directing and producing are tricky and challenging, but if you’re passionate and curious about it, follow that curiosity.[1]

He has directed Australian productions of musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar,[5] Hairspray,[6] Oklahoma!,[7] and Spamalot,[8] as well as for writing, directing, and producing the world premiere stage adaptation of The Neverending Story.[9]

In 2013, he announced that the Harvest Rain Theatre Company would become Queensland's first professional musical theatre company, which involved payment to the lead actors who were often well-established professionals supported by its "internship program, donors, sponsors and ticket sales."[10]

As of 4th of October 2023, it is alleged that O’Connor molested children through his theatre company and is currently awaiting trial.

Training programs

O'Connor is the founder of the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre.[11][12]

Harvest Rain also ran Youth Theatre Workshops and the Australian Musical Theatre Workshop which hosted workshops and masterclasses in Brisbane and regional centres,[13][14]

Awards

In 2011, O'Connor won a Groundling Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Queensland Theatre Industry.[15] In 2012 he was nominated for Brisbane's person of the year.[9] In 2014, he won a Gold Matilda Award for his work with Harvest Rain and was also nominated for Best Director for Spamalot.[16]

References
  1. "Interview : Harvest Rain's Tim O'Connor". Creative Issue. 28 September 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  2. "Spotlight on Tim O'Connor". Aussie Theatre. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  3. "Our Team". Harvest Rain. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  4. Hope, Zach (9 November 2022). "National arena shows cancelled amid Queensland sexual assault allegations". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  5. "Review : Jesus Christ Superstar: Harvest Rain THeatre". Actors Greenroom. 31 December 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  6. "Hairspray – Harvest Rain Theatre Company". Aussie Theatre. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  7. "Oklahoma! Harvest Rain comes sweeping down the plain". Stage Whispers. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  8. "Spamalot Review : Brisbane". Scenestr. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  9. "World Premiere of The Neverending Story: Magical, enchanting and spectacular". Aussie Theatre. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  10. "Hey Hey it's Harvest Rain's first professional season". Sydney Morning Herald. 18 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  11. "Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre". Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre. March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  12. "Teaching Staff". Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  13. "Training". Harvest Rain. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  14. "The stars are coming". Australian Musical Theatre Workshop. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  15. "2011 Groundling Award winners". Actors Greenroom. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  16. "Gold Matilda Award Winners 2014". Matilda Awards. March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
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