David Berthold is an Australian theatre and festival director who has served as artistic director of several major Australian arts organisations.
Early life and education
Berthold was born in Maitland, New South Wales. He trained for a period as an opera singer and was awarded the Joan Sutherland Scholarship at the Sydney Opera House.
Career
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Early theatre work (1980s‑1990s) – Berthold began his career as an actor, appearing in productions such as the Hunter Valley Theatre Company’s staging of David Williamson’s The Perfectionist (1984). He subsequently took on directing roles and became associate director of the Sydney Theatre Company (1994‑1999).
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Australian Theatre for Young People (1999‑2003) – He was appointed artistic director and chief executive officer, overseeing the company’s programmes for young performers.
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Griffin Theatre Company (2003‑2006) – Berthold served as artistic director and CEO, directing a range of productions.
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La Boite Theatre Company (2008‑2014) – As artistic director and CEO, he led the Brisbane‑based company, earning a Matilda Award in 2010 for his work in repositioning the organisation and directing Hamlet.
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Brisbane Festival (2015‑2019) – Berthold was artistic director of the biennial arts festival, expanding its international profile and programming.
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National Institute of Dramatic Art (2020‑present) – He holds the position of artistic director‑in‑residence in Sydney.
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Other roles – Berthold has served on judging panels for the Time Out Future Shapers Awards (2021), the Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting (2020/21), and the Sydney Theatre Awards (2023). As of 2023 he was a member of the New South Wales Government’s Theatre and Musical Theatre Arts Advisory Board, and by September 2024 he sat on the boards of Hothouse Theatre and Australian Plays Transform, as well as being a trustee of the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award.
Recognition and awards
- Nominated for a BroadwayWorld UK Award for Best Direction of a Play (2010) for the West End production of Holding the Man.
- Won a Matilda Award (2010) for his leadership of La Boite Theatre Company and direction of Hamlet.
Berthold’s career, spanning over four decades, has been marked by leadership positions in major Australian theatre companies, significant contributions to festival programming, and ongoing involvement in arts governance and mentorship.