Michelle King appointed new CEO and Artistic Director of dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum
- CultureHead Staff

- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

The dlr Mill Theatre has officially announced the appointment of Michelle King as its new CEO and Artistic Director. King will follow Kate Canning, who has held the role since 2016.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Michelle King has over two decades of experience in the arts and entertainment industry working across film, television, music, and theatre. Since January 2021, she has been a pivotal force at Dublin’s Gate Theatre, most recently serving as Associate Producer.
Founded in 2006 and located in the heart of Dundrum Town Centre, the Mill Theatre is renowned for hosting high profile cultural events and touring theatre productions. The venue is a strategic cultural hub for the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (dlr) area, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.
King will begin her new position in January 2026, coinciding with the theatre’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. Commenting on the announcement, Don Nugent, Interim Chair of the dlr Mill Theatre Board of Directors, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle King as our new CEO and Artistic Director. Her extensive knowledge and experience in the arts will undoubtedly build on the theatre’s ongoing success while elevating the organisation to new creative heights. It’s particularly exciting to have her take the reins as we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary, a significant milestone for the theatre and the perfect time to introduce a new artistic voice and vision for the theatre.”
Speaking about her appointment Michelle King remarked:
“It is a genuine honour to lead one of Dublin’s cultural treasures —a vibrant hub for creativity, entertainment, and community. I am excited to steer the organisation into its 20th anniversary year and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank the visionary, Kate Canning, for her artistic excellence and incredible leadership over the past nine years. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and all the staff at The Mill as we embark on this new journey together”.
Michelle King began at the Gate Theatre as Company Manager before becoming Associate Producer, where she played a crucial role in supporting the production process, managing and collaborating with creative teams and cast members to bring performances to life. Gate productions include Frank McGuiness’s The Visiting Hour, Phillip McMahon’s Once Before I Go, Sebastian Barry’s The Steward of Christendom, Pam Gems Piaf, Emma Donoghue’s The Pull of the Stars, Erica Murray’s The Loved Ones, Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa and most recently the smash-hit production Katriona O’Sullivan’s Poor, adapted by Sonya Kelly. Prior to the Gate Theatre, she worked with Pat Egan Management and The Gaiety Theatre Dublin. Michelle holds a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling from Trinity College, Dublin.
The dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum is a non-profit charity that operates a 207-seat performing arts venue located in Dundrum Town Centre, South Dublin. This modern community hub showcases a wide range of performances, including professional theatre, amateur dramatics, comedy, music, visual arts exhibitions, children's shows, and educational events, attracting over 10,000 visitors each year.
For more information, visit: milltheatre.ie
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