Jillian Geurts is one of those rare artists who effortlessly moves between roles in front of and behind the curtain, making a profound impact on New York’s theatre scene. As Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Australian Theatre Festival (alongside Mark Barford and Connor Delves), Jillian has been instrumental in bringing Australian stories to life on the international stage. Since the festival’s launch in 2019, she’s helped shape an event that celebrates Australian talent’s vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving creativity. With the 2024 Gala just around the corner—honoring Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect at The Players NYC on September 15th—there’s no better time to spotlight Jillian’s incredible journey and work.
“The festival has really grown and evolved over the last five years,” Jillian reflects. “But in a lot of key ways, we’ve stayed true to our original mission.” That mission? Building a community where Australian voices—especially those that have been underrepresented—can take center stage and shine. From its beginnings to its current momentum, the festival has flourished into a key cultural event in New York City, showcasing diverse stories, new works, and extraordinary talent.
In 2024, audiences can expect an exciting lineup of voices pushing boundaries and offering fresh perspectives. “Last year, we were able to bring Thomas Weatherall and his stunning play Blue here, which felt like a huge achievement,” Jillian says. “This year, we’re continuing to build on that energy, featuring a program that highlights women, queer voices, and other underrepresented artists.” Inclusivity is at the heart of Jillian’s work, and her passion for amplifying those who haven’t always had a platform shines through in everything she does.
But Jillian’s commitment to the arts goes beyond her role as a producer. She’s an accomplished actor who recently made her Broadway debut in Paula Vogel’s Mother Play, working alongside iconic performers like Jessica Lange and Jim Parsons. When asked about the experience, Jillian shares, “It was amazing. I simultaneously realized I’m ready for this level of work and that I still have so much to learn and discover.” Her time on Broadway taught her key lessons: humility, hard work, and kindness. “Seeing great artists do their best for each other and the story was inspiring. Those values are something I bring back with me to the festival every day,” she adds.
This year’s Australian Theatre Festival Gala is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. The festival honors Eddie Perfect, a multi-talented Aussie who has taken New York by storm as the composer and lyricist of Beetlejuice: The Musical on Broadway. “Eddie feels like the perfect person to honor,” Jillian says. “He’s lived and worked in New York, and his success here has been recognized by the Tonys. We’re honored to have him with us to help raise funds for the festival—artists like him inspire the next generation of Australians in New York.”
Jillian’s love for theatre started back in Brisbane, Australia, where she began her career with the physical theatre company Zen Zen Zo. Her training there continues to inform her approach to acting today. “Finding how a character moves, how they speak, how they breathe—that’s the spine of a character for me,” she explains. “It’s the way I connect with every role I take on.” Her grounding in physical theatre has also given her the tools to take on incredibly diverse roles—whether acting in New York, Australia, or beyond.
At the heart of Jillian’s work is a deep desire to amplify voices that haven’t always been heard, particularly those of women and queer artists. “We’re always working to showcase more depth and diversity on our stage,” she shares. “As a female artist and producer, I understand how important it is to create space for women’s stories to be told authentically and powerfully. It’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
Balancing her dual roles as an actor and producer is no easy feat, but Jillian finds it immensely rewarding. “I’ve had some of my fondest moments on stage during the festival, working on plays that are challenging, moving, and often incredibly funny,” she says. “Helping realize great work as a producer while also being part of it on stage is incredibly satisfying.”
As the 2024 Gala approaches, Jillian, Mark, and Connor are excited to welcome theatre lovers back to celebrate the unique and powerful voices the Australian Theatre Festival has championed. It’s a chance to highlight Australian talent and enjoy a truly unforgettable night of performances and community.
Excited about the Gala? AWNY is putting together a table, and we’d love for you to join us! When you purchase your ticket, select ‘representing an organization’ and write ‘AWNY’ so we can all be seated together. For more info, feel free to email us at awny@aaanyc.org.
To grab tickets for the 2024 Gala honoring Eddie Perfect, head to www.australiantheatrefestival.com/2024gala.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration of Australian theatre!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 