Our Board
Comprised of both skilled and representative members, the WAYTCo board ensures diligent governance and oversight, whilst placing young people at the centre of decision making.
WAYTCo is thrilled to announce the appointment of a new Board Executive. Read about our wonderful new and continuing board members below or jump to page end for a copy of the 2023 Annual Report.
Chairperson
Currently vacant
Deputy Chair
Izzy McDonald (She/Her) is a theatre maker, writer and director based in Boorloo, Perth. Izzy has been making for 7 years and has a focus on telling stories of heart and place. As a mid-career artist whose first professional show was with WAYTCo, joining the board of management as an Arts Industry member represents a full circle moment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (English & Cultural Studies) from the University of WA, a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons.) from WAAPA and has previous governance experience, having served on the board of The Blue Room Theatre. Izzy brings an energy of hope and momentum.
Treasurer
Kinjal Kakkad (She/Her) is an experienced MBA professional with 14 years of service within the Public Sector from Frontline to Middle-Senior Management Roles. Kinjal’s experience in the public sector is founded by a sense of direction and purpose within change management practices, which involves building organisational skills through inclusion and diversity, nurturing relationships through effective communication, and developing professional expertise through efficient coaching, thus fostering public service professionalism and probity within the organisation. Kinjal’s skills and experience will allow her to drive change and implement a strong governance model within the organisation and ensure risk, regulation, legislation, and compliance requirements are incorporated within the operational functions.
Secretary TBA
Max Leech (He/Him) has developed drama programs and devised youth theatre in Australia, Singapore and London. As a Principal Consultant at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, he advises schools on drama and dance across Western Australia. He is committed to designing and implementing curriculums that meet realistic goals. Max is passionate about making Arts experiences available to all members of the community.
Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ (He/Him) is an award-winning Visual Artist, Community Arts Producer, Writer, Performer, Youth Arts Curator & Disability Support Worker. He co-founded the theatre group, The Outsiders and has produced, written, and performed at various shows, most significantly EAPS at The Blue Room Theatre & PICA.
A graduate of Journalism & Media (BA Hons) from University of Hertfordshire and Screen Arts (MArts) from Curtin University, Ayo works at The Blue Room Theatre as the Communications Coordinator. He has carried out a range of freelance and consultancy work, offering his skills to organisations like Propel Youth Arts, Perth Festival, Centre for Stories, AWESOME Arts and more. Ayo contributed to The Blue Room Theatre’s Artist Advisory Group, Propel Youth Arts’ KickstART Festival Committee, and Perth Festival’s Young Voices, for two consecutive years. He also currently sits on the board for Regional Arts WA.
Amanda Huxtable (She/Her) is an innovative educator who is highly skilled in curriculum planning and development. As Head of Dance and Drama at Santa Maria College, she has directed many theatre productions and large-scale events. Amanda volunteers as the Educational Consultant for The School of St Yared Ethiopia, a project under Hope For Children Australia. As a member of St Yared’s executive management team, Amanda has been involved in strategic planning, mentoring, professional development, community engagement and fundraising. Inspired by fostering empathy, curiosity and creativity in young people, Amanda is passionate about developing educational experiences that link learning to self-awareness and personal potential
Jono Battista (He/Him) is a creator, sound designer and PAWA-nominated performer living and working in Boorloo (Perth). He graduated from WAAPA in 2019 with a BPA in Performance Making. His recent credits include Love Letters to the Revolution (2021, Sian Murphy) as a performer, REST (2019, WAYTCo) as a performer and dramaturg, The Cockatoos (2019, WAYTCo) as assistant director, and A Nought For A Cross (2021, The Perthian Chronicles) as sound designer and composer. He also co-adapted, co-directed and performed in REST for its 2021 remount.
Zenatalla Ibrahim (They/Them) is a seasoned storyteller, lived experience speaker and published slam performance poet. They have worked with TEDxPerth (2018), BeyondBlue (2016 onwards), Centre for Stories (2019 onwards) and BurnBright (2020 onwards) regularly – talking about their journey as a neurodivergent non-binary Muslim queer person. They pride themselves on being engaged in community and creating avenues for representation and change using the power of vulnerable and authentic storytelling. They have served the UWA Student Guild (2017 Corporate Services and Women’s Dept, 2018 Access Dept) and have attended an arts governance masterclass series (2022) to upskill for their capacity on the Board.
Cezera Critti-Schnaars (She/Her) is a proud Nyoongar- Greek theatre maker with a passion for theatre. Since completing the Aboriginal Performance Course at WAAPA (2018), she has worked with a number of companies in both acting, writing and directing roles. Performance credits: Hecate (Yirra Yaakin, 2020), Little Women (Mel & Sal and The Blue Room, 2021). Directing: YirraYaakin-WAYTCo’s Ngalaka Daa (2021, 2022); WAYTCo’s Seven Sisters for Perth Festival (2023), co-directed with James Berlyn. Awards: Best Newcomer; Best Supporting Actress (Performing Arts WA Awards, 2020).