Karla Conway is a director, dramaturg, theatre-maker and arts leader. She studied theatre at University of Missouri-Columbia, USA and graduated NIDA (Directing) in 2009. Karla has led numerous companies, as Artistic Director/CEO (Canberra Youth Theatre), Creative Producer (Warehouse Circus), Program Manager (Canberra Theatre Centre) and is currently Artistic Director & CEO at HotHouse Theatre.
Since arriving at HotHouse, Karla has driven the development of new works by regional artists through CELSIUS: Independent Theatre program and relaunched the GreenHouse: National Artist Residency program, reigniting an important creative development platform for artists nationally. Karla has commissioned, developed and produced new Australian works for over 10 years, and has created numerous innovative works as a theatre-maker, including immersive, site-specific/gaming works for National Library, National Gallery of Australia; and most recently This is Your City – The Live Game across the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga.
Karla has collaborated as director/dramaturg/AD on works with: Sydney Opera House, Black Swan State Theatre Company (WA), Action Transport Theatre (UK), The Street (ACT), Long Cloud Youth Theatre (NZ), and Academy of Interactive Entertainment. As a dramaturg, Karla has worked across theatre, contemporary dance and circus and was resident dramaturg for Australian Dance Party and Warehouse Circus for many years. She is currently directing Campion Decent’s landmark new Australian play, Unprecedented, touring NSW & VIC in 2023.