Performing Lines Announces New Chair – Natalie Jenkins Appointed to Lead National Board

Performing Lines is pleased to announce the appointment of Natalie Jenkins as Chair of the Performing Lines Board, following the planned transition of outgoing Chair Robi Stanton, who has stepped down after eight years of exceptional service.

Natalie joined the Board in 2023 and was appointed Deputy Chair in 2025. A respected national arts and not-for-profit leader, she brings more than 30 years’ experience across the arts, culture, community and commercial creative sectors.

With Natalie based in Perth/Boorloo, this appointment marks a historic milestone for Performing Lines—the first time the organisation’s Chair is based outside Sydney/Warrane, reflecting the organisation’s reach, diversity and impact across Australia.

Natalie commented on her appointment as Chair,

“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair at Performing Lines. I would like to sincerely thank outgoing Chair Robi Stanton for her remarkable leadership, which has helped shape Performing Lines into the truly national organisation it is today. Looking ahead, I’m excited to build on this strong model for championing bold, artist–led work and unique sector support programs that connect communities, seed ambitious new performance, and nurture the next generation of Australian cultural leaders.“

Executive Producer/CEO Simon Wellington welcomed Natalie’s appointment, saying:

“Natalie brings a depth of experience, strategic thinking and national perspective that will be invaluable as we continue strengthening Performing Lines’ impact, while navigating the many challenges currently faced by our sector.”

The Board and staff extend their deep gratitude to Robi Stanton for her remarkable leadership, commitment and generosity. Robi guided Performing Lines through periods of change and challenge—including Covid — and played an instrumental role in securing the organisation’s successful application to the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework (NPAPF).

Reflecting on her tenure Robi said,

“As Chair of Performing Lines, I’ve had the honour of working alongside an extraordinary team of artists, producers and board members who care deeply about the future of contemporary performance in Australia. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together—from navigating profound industry challenges to strengthening our national footprint and joining the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework. Performing Lines is a courageous, values led organisation, and I leave knowing it is in exceptionally capable hands.”

In addition, Performing Lines are pleased to announce the appointment of lawyer Emily Shen as a Board Member, following a year of engagement through the Board Observership Program, further strengthening the national expertise of the Board.

For more information about Natalie and the rest of the Performing Lines Board visit our Board page

About Performing Lines

Performing Lines produces provocative contemporary performance by Australia’s most audacious independent artists.

We curate a portfolio of work that is propelled by pressing questions and new ways of seeing the world. We champion the unconventional, the marginal, the rebellious and the new.

Our purpose is to champion risk and to ensure that the breadth and plurality of Australia’s creative potential is represented and celebrated.

Performing Lines is led by Executive Producer Simon Wellington, and manages teams in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Hobart, with a network of producers and presenters around the country and the world.

About Natalie Jenkins

Natalie is one of Western Australia’s most respected arts leaders. She brings more than 30 years of leadership across the arts & culture, community, and commercial creative sectors. Her career has spanned roles as CEO, strategic advisor, and non-executive director, with a strong focus on transformation, collaboration and cultural integrity.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in August 2025, Natalie was CEO of Short Back & Sidewalks, a national charity dedicated to creating positive connections for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Previously, she was leading in the commercial creative industries as CEO of Block Branding and founding Chair of IN:WA. Her extensive experience in the performing arts sector, includes Co-CEO/Executive Director of Black Swan State Theatre Company, where she led significant organisational growth and change and alongside Artistic Director Matthew Lutton, was General Manager of ThinIce, a groundbreaking independent theatre company that partnered with leading festivals and performing arts organisations across Australia. She has held leadership positions at Perth Theatre Company, PICA, Theatre North Launceston, and as a sessional academic at Edith Cowan University. Natalie has a degree in Arts Management from WAAPA (ECU) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Natalie has extensive governance experience on national and state-based boards and advisory committees, including federal and state government appointments. As well as being Chair of Performing Lines, she is currently Chair of Seesaw Magazine –an independent arts media organisation, and Board Member of FutureNow, a multi-sector workforce development advisory body to the WA Government.