Susan Provan to step down as Festival Director & CEO of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

After an extraordinary, three-decade tenure shaping one of the world’s most celebrated comedy events, Melbourne International Comedy Festival has announced Susan Provan will step down as Festival Director.

Since taking on the role in 1995, Provan has led the organisation with passion, championing Australian comedy and nurturing the next generation of artists, while transforming the Melbourne International Comedy Festival into the world’s largest dedicated comedy festival, and a globally recognised platform for developing comedy audiences and careers. Under her leadership, the Festival has grown into an event that has an unmatched impact on the streets and businesses of Melbourne’s CBD.

Provan has established flagship development and touring programs – RAW Comedy, Class Clowns, Deadly Funny and the Comedy Festival Roadshow – which have launched countless new voices onto Australian and international stages. She has expanded the Festival’s broadcast and streaming content significantly, driving increased recognition for both emerging and high-profile performers. Provan has also built strong relationships with the burgeoning comedy industries of our region including India, Malaysia and Singapore, developing cultural exchange and performance opportunities for Asian performers in Australia and Australian performers in Asia.

In 2018, Susan Provan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition of her distinguished service to arts administration, festival leadership and the promotion of Australian comedy.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead the Melbourne International Comedy Festival,” said Provan. “Comedy has a very special power that brings people together, challenges ideas and creates joy. I am immensely proud of what we’ve built and grateful to some of the best and cleverest colleagues and artists a person could wish to share such a journey with. It’s awesome to see so many First Nations comedians in the spotlight these days and I’m especially proud of the fact that more than 50% of the performers in our Galas this year were women!  It’s been the treat of a lifetime to say yeah, let’s do it, to so many ideas, then watch audiences all over Australia and the world delighted by the work of the incredible artists in front of them.”

Chair of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Board, Bill Shannon AM, acknowledged Provan’s immense contribution: “Susan’s impact on the Festival and the wider arts landscape cannot be overstated. Her leadership, integrity and unwavering passion have defined the Festival as it has grown into a truly global event.  Susan has taken Australian comedy to the world and leaves an extraordinary legacy and strong foundation for the future.”

Provan will remain in the role through a transition period to ensure continuity and support the appointment of her successor. A recruitment process is currently underway with the aim of appointing a new Festival Director/ CEO by the end of August, 2026.