Tim O'Connor (theatre director)

When O'Connor finished school he volunteered the office at Harvest Rain Theatre Company for 3 years. He was eventually employed and became more involved in administrative work[1] also his first paid directors role was for a community play for Harvest Rain.[2]

When the opportunity arose he took over the role of running Harvest Rain.[1]

Since 2004, he has been the Artistic Director of the Harvest Rain Theatre Company and is now also the CEO.[2][3]

In an interview with Katherine Sullivan O'Connor said

... when I was coming up the ranks, so many people told me I’d never make it, ... But I say just because something hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way. Directing and Producing are tricky and challenging, but if you’re passionate and curious about it, follow that curiosity.[1]

He has directied Australian productions of musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar,[4] Hairspray,[5] Oklahoma!,[6] and Spamalot,[7] as well as for writing, directing, and producing the world premiere stage adaptation of The Neverending Story.[8]

In 2013, he announced that the Harvest Rain Theatre Company would become Queensland's first professional musical theatre company, which involved payment to the lead actors who were often well established professionals supported by its " internship program, donors, sponsors and ticket sales." [9]

O'Connor is the founder of the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre [10] with in dance, music, and acting.[11]

Harvest Rain also runs the Australian Musical Theatre Workshop which runs workshops and masterclasses in Brisbane and regional centres,[12][13]

In 2011, he won a Groundling Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Queensland Theatre Industry.[14] In 2012 he was nominated for Brisbane's person of the year.[8] In 2014, he won a Gold Matilda Award for his work with Harvest Rain and was also nominated for Best Director for Spamalot.[15]

O'Connor conducts a series of online interviews at Behind the Red Curtain. Interviewees include musical theatre stars including Kristin Chenoweth, Marina Prior, Simon Gallaher, Lisa McCune, Nancye Hayes and, Rhonda Burchmore.[16]