ATYP Annual Appeal 2025

It brings me great joy to be contacting you for the first time in my new role as Artistic Director & CEO of ATYP. I still can’t quite believe I get to write those words. As someone whose artistic journey began here, this is not just a job — it’s a homecoming.

Fresh out of NIDA in 2020, my first professional opportunity was as Associate Director on ATYP’s national tour of Follow Me Home. Through that role, ATYP empowered me, gave me confidence, showed me that someone believed in me and valued what I had to say.

Today, I’m writing to thank you for helping make that possible for me and for so many other young and emerging artists.

In 2024, I saw ATYP:

• Produce and develop two new Australian works – both being programmed in the world-renowned Sydney Festival – and brought with them a cast and crew comprised of 83% of young and emerging artists, with 16 professional debuts.
• Service over 2500+ students across Australia through our workshop and education programs.
• Provide scholarship placements in partnerships with Asylum Seekers Centre, The Girls and Boys Brigade, Smith Family, and Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s program CAPTIVATE.
• Facilitate educational drama workshops in 20 low ICSEA schools.
• Support the creation of 45 short plays by emerging playwrights, 13 of whom will receive publication.
• Train 12 artists across regional NSW to deliver holiday drama workshops for over 700 regional young people.

While the achievements are exciting, the truth is: we need your help to keep the doors open. Like so many arts organisations, ATYP has been hit hard by the pandemic and its aftermath. Our audiences are returning slowly, operating costs have risen and government support remains tight.

That’s why I’m asking you to contribute to our 2025 Annual Appeal. Your gift, no matter the size, will directly support the next generation of Australian storytellers. Your donation will ensure that young artists have a place to develop, to be inspired, and to launch into their future careers with confidence, like yours did for me.

When my appointment was announced, one message I received in particular struck me:

“This feels like our generation just got their first seat at the table. I can’t wait to see who you bring up next.”

Donors like you are the reason that I have my seat at the table, and with continued support, we can continue to nurture the next generation. I want to be sure the next generation of young artists has the same chance — and today, I want to give you a sneak peek at how, together, we will make that happen.

We’re shaping a bold new vision for ATYP, to be unveiled in 2026. You’re among the first to know: this next chapter won’t be defined by productions alone — it will be defined by the artists who bring them to life. We’re building a creative program shaped by artists themselves. We’re asking: What stories do you want to tell? Who do you want to become?

Over the coming years you’ll see a creative program highlighting the most exciting artists across Australia – and not just actors, but directors, designers, writers, and technical crew. ATYP’s new future is artist-led, informed by the works emerging artists want programmed, what works will best showcase them, and finding incredible mentors that can support them along the way.

We’re not just building shows — we’re building futures. By donating to ATYP through our Annual Appeal you are allowing another young artist a seat at the table.

Donate today. Help us keep the lights on, the stages full, and dreams alive.

If you’re considering a donation, I would love to personally speak with you about the exciting projects on the horizon — and how your generosity can make a transformational impact.

With gratitude,

Hayden Tonazzi
Artistic Director & CEO