Who Are We?

Cipta – Indonesian for to-create‘’; pronounced ‘CHIP-TA’

(think chipmunk 🐿)

…is a new UniMelb affiliated theatre company created to support emerging theatre-makers, especially theatre-writers who wish to stage their own original shows. We aim to develop new voices in the student theatre community and welcome all artists and theatre enthusiasts regardless of background.

The theatre group was founded in 2024 and created because we’ve noticed a lack of opportunities among other UniMelb theatre groups for theatre writers. While UniMelb has a rich and vibrant theatre community with a diverse range of theatre groups, Cipta is committed to the ‘creation’ part of theatre-making. We do not decide the style/genre/theme of your show, you do! And our focus is on emerging artists.

Showcases

Each year we will have 2 seasons according two the semesters of The University of Melbourne.

A larger primary season in semester one, and a smaller experimental season in semester 2.

All productions will take place during the teaching weeks of UniMelb.

For updates, follow us on our socials:

Meet the 2024 Committee

Presenting to you the 2024 (founding) committee of Cipta!!

President

Jessica Tran (she/her)

Hey! I’m a crimpol (criminology & politics) student who is really passionate about theatre. I have previous experience with FLW and UMMTA and have decided to branch out into something new… like starting a theatre company! I’ll also be part of the UMSU Creative Arts team in 2024. If you don’t see me working, I’m most likely singing in a corner somewhere lol!

Secretary & Marketing Manager

Jessica Fanwong (she/her)

Hiya! I’m an English & theatre studies major but making up for the ‘theatre’ part of my degree outside of my course. I’ve been involved in UMMTA, FLW, Flare & Eleven & unwittingly find myself doing publicity for every show I’m part of. Most likely sighted whereever there’s books or theatre shows.

Treasurer

Belle White (she/her)

IHello!! I’m an economics & creative writing major; the only theatre kid they could find willing to do math. I’ve played TJ in UMMTA’s 2023 Fringe show ‘Charlie’s Cultish Christmas’ and stage managed a Mudfest show. Super excited to be treasurer for Cipta! People are most likely to find me at home watching gay tv shows.

Equity Officer

Nabila Malik (she/her)

Hi, I’m currently doing a degree in Masters of Arts and Cultural Management and am finding my feet in arts management after nearly a decade-long break from the industry. I produced UMMTA’s 2023 mainstage show ‘Spamalot’. I’m really passionate about improving diversity and inclusion in theatre. I’ll likely be at Parkville or Southbank annoying people.

Events & Sponsorship Manager

Marcie Di Bartolomeo (she/they)

Hello hello! I am a current Master of Social Work student and a recent Bachelor of Arts graduate. I have been actively involved in many theatre groups over the years: from Mudcrabs to Fake Newspaper to FLW to UMMTA to Dead End. I was an UMSU Creative Arts Officer, and during my term I produced Tastings, an arty festival all about new works and elevating the voices of emerging student artists. I am super-duper keen to be in a role specialised in events management and sponsorships! You can usually find me where-ever there’s something fun & creative going on.

Publicity & Marketing Manager

Weiying (Irene) Lu (she/her)

Irene is currently doing a Master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management at Unimelb. She was the publicity officer for Cipta’s 2024 semester 1 show ‘The Last Supper’. She enjoyed content creating and helping the show find its audience. She’s keen to discover what she could create alongside other Cipta committee members and deliver a wonderful show in the next semester!

Content Creator

Lucy Brownlie (she/her)

Lucy is an avid theatre lover with a particular interest in immersive theatre, Australian work and fresh scripts. She loves watching films, eating Yo-Chi, and drinking (probably too much) coffee.

Content Creator

Stuti Ghosh (she/her)

Stuti is currently studying for a Master's in Environment and she is passionate about sustainability and theatre. Starting as an actor, she got into designing for theatre as the assistant set designer for Dead End Collective's debut production, "The Crystalline Consciousness that Speaks Meaning into Flesh" this year. Canva and Instagram stories are her gateway to the digital world of design. She's keen to create content for Cipta and finally be the cool person she was always meant to become

General Committee

Ella Kerr (she/her)

Howdy! I am studying a Master of Arts and Cultural Management so that I can manage some arts and culture one day. I am an avid theatre goer, and you’ll find me around town volunteering at theatres or for arts festivals, when I am not trying to make people eat the baked goods I brought. I look forward to being part of the Cipta chipmunk gang!

General Committee

Matt Chan (he/him)

I'm an English & Theatre and Creative Writing major! I'm majorly into creative writing and theatre, and I speak English!! I'm a huge admirer of the creative community here at Unimelb and what Cipta has been doing within it!!! Super into making cool things happen with cool people and super super excited to be a part of the team!!!!