Sam Strong has announced his departure from Queensland Theatre after four years at the helm. He will step down as Artistic Director in November, after launching the 2020 season in August, which coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary year.

Sam Strong. Photo supplied

Strong, who succeeded Wesley Enoch in 2015, has overseen record-breaking ticket sales, a growing subscriber base and a swathe of critically acclaimed productions in his time as Artistic Director. In 2017, the company reached its largest audience ever with over 188,450 people seeing a QT show in 55 theatres around the world. As a result, it was named the fastest growing theatre company in Australia.

Notably, Strong has achieved gender parity among writers and directors in his programming for three years in a row, having cited a commitment to diversity and inclusion. He also spearheaded the rebranding of QT in his inaugural year, dropping the “Company” from its name, and oversaw the redevelopment of the Bille Brown Studio into the 351-capacity Bille Brown Theatre, which opened in October last year.

Strong will relocate to Melbourne with his family, but has promised to direct at least one production for QT in 2020.

“I’m not going...