Mark your calendars for a celebration of Aussie showbiz and the arts! The Australian Theatre Festival Gala is fast approaching, and everyone is invited to this glamorous (and most likely rowdy!) party in New York with headline honoree and musical theatre royalty Caroline O’Connor.
The Gala will be held on Sunday, September 10, in one of New York’s most historical theatrical buildings—The Players Club on Gramercy Park.
The annual fundraising event is the opening act for a memorable 2023 Australian Theatre Festival NYC. Co-Artistic Directors & Executive Producers Mark Barford, Connor Delves, and Jillian Geurts say the events get bigger and better each year.
Tickets are available now: www.australiantheatrefestival.com/gala2023

This will be the 2nd annual fundraising gala as the festival enters its fourth year! With a growing appetite for what’s on offer, “Eyes are now being opened to the Australian artists in New York and the stories they bring. The festival is a wonderful showcase of theatrical talent, and planning is now well underway for the shows in the 5-day festival this November. Our upcoming Gala next month provides an opportunity to support our work for the festival and get involved,” said Connor.
“As a community of artists, our mission is to create opportunities, like the gala, for an exchange of culture, cultivate the development of Australian artists and their work, and connect Australians living in New York to foster a sense of community.” Explains Jillian

From corporates at the top end of town to aspiring artists studying their craft, everyone is welcome. “We always attract a diverse crowd, and that’s what we love. It’s not just for Australians; it’s for the broader community. Last year more than half of the audience and people who attended our events were from the US and other parts of the world,” said Mark.
The event will recognize the contribution and achievements of Caroline O’Connor. Although she’s held leading roles in shows like Chicago, A Chorus Line, Anastasia, and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, Caroline is admired in the industry for putting new work in the spotlight, which is why she is an obvious choice to receive the accolade at the 2023 Gala. “This year, we are thrilled to be honoring theatre legend Caroline O’Connor AM. Having performed on Broadway, the West End, and all over Australia, she has had a remarkable career and is a worthy recipient of the honor,” said Connor.

Jillian adds, “The gala night is set to be filled with live entertainment, food, and beverages and will be hosted by Kathleen Simmonds, with an auction run by America Josh, with tickets to Broadway shows, New York sports teams, and more to go under the hammer with New York’s favorite Australian.”
A final word from Connor “We encourage New York businesses to buy a table, come dressed to impress, and ready to party! This will be a night to remember as we celebrate Australian artists and their stories.”

Stay connected with AWNY
Register for our monthly newsletter and be kept in the loop for our upcoming events, where you can meet like-minded Aussie women living and working in New York.
Blog – https://australianwomeninnewyork.org
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AUWomenNYC/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AUWomenNYC
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/auwomennyc/
Questions? Please email AWNY (awny@aaanyc.org).

