Between 2018 and 2019, Contemporary Asian Australian Performance , in partnership with Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company, ran the CAAP Directors Initiative, aimed at unearthing, nurturing and developing Asian Australian directors for the stage.

Together the four companies committed to working to identify, develop and embed Asian Australian directors in Australia’s three largest state theatre companies.

The CAAP Directors Initiative offered a tailored training program over two years for selected participants in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

In its first year, it included directing workshops, close observation of mainstage productions, and a range of professional development and networking opportunities. In its second year, the program provided hands-on directorial training and engagement with the host companies.

The initiative produced some of Australia’s leading directors and arts leaders, with outcomes that led to career advancements, new collaborations, and the development and presentation of new work.