Kaz Therese (they/them), is an award- winning theatre director, programmer and cultural leader. Kaz is an interdisciplinary artist working across theatre, visual arts and dance, with a practice grounded in performance, activism and community building.

In 2022 they presented the world premier of their solo work SLEEPLESSNESS commissioned by Carriageworks, and toured to Parramatta Riverside Theatres. 

Kaz’s creative process and practice of radical kindness have formed the basis for their two recent creative residencies at Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). 

As director and theatre maker, Kaz Therese’s nationally acclaimed works explore the urgent topics of our times: Australia’s refugee and First Nation policies with TRIBUNAL presented at Griffin Theatre, Sydney Festival Carriageworks, Sydney Opera House, Arts House, Melbourne and the MCA. Gender and intersectional feminism PLAYLIST (nominated for a HELPMANN AWARD for Best Visual and Physical theatre) presented at the Sydney Opera House and National Tour, young people’s need for freedom with JUMP FIRST, ASK LATER Winner of a HELPMANN AWARD and AUSTRALIAN DANCE AWARD presented at the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and National Tour 2017. 

Kaz’s curatorial practice has led to the activation of new spaces, connecting communities and artists to expand the experience of contemporary art and who it is for. This has included Founder/CEO and Artistic Director of FUNPARK, Mt Druitt premiering at Sydney Festival 2014, Sydney Biennale 2020, Sydney Festival 2022. WOMEN OF FAIRFIELD co-curator with MCA C3 West, Winner of the FBi Sydney Music and Cultural Award for Best Arts Program (FBiSMAC) of 2016, Women of Parramatta 2020 Sydney Biennale NIRIN, and Gathering Ground: History Ceremony Protest at The Block Redfern, 2008.

Kaz has built key international relationships expanding their participatory practice, knowledge and skills. In 2019 Kaz was selected as part of the The Australian Councils Leadership program spanning Australia and Indonesia. In 2010-2011 Kaz worked at PS122 New York as a seconded Creative Producer with Artistic Director, Vallejo Gantner. While in New York Kaz presented their solo works COMFORT ZONE at the Centre for Performance Research NY and HAWAII at PS 122. In 2017 they were invited as guest artist to the Holland Festival by Artistic Director Ruth McKenzie. 

In 2019/20 they directed BERSAMA/PLAYLIST, an online exchange about gender and intersectionality between Indonesian and Australian dancers, theatre makers and artists. 

Other international residencies and exchanges include; Hong Kong, Budapest, Los Angeles, South Africa and Berlin.