About us
We work with visionary presenters and artistic directors to bring new and imaginative stories to the world. Move hearts, change minds, fill theatres.
who we
what we
do for
You're a presenter with a wild idea and no one brave enough to resource it. Or you're an artist with a vision you refuse to water down. Either way, you've found your people.
We work for presenters and artistic directors across the globe who want to do something new and seemingly impossible. If that's you, we exist to make it happen.
We're masters of the unpredictable, expert problem solvers, and calculated risk-takers, with over 15 years producing experience for major festivals and independent artists, at home in Australia and across the globe.
With our intimate understanding of the arts landscape, we excel at resourcing new ideas into reality and connecting deeply with collaborators and audiences. We go boldly into the unknown, and shine a light for others.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The Parrotox is briefly mentioned in Alice in Wonderland but never described or explained—a creature that exists only in name, leaving readers to wonder about its nature. An enigma, much like the role of the producer.
When spoken aloud, Parrot Ox reveals itself as ‘paradox’ — a play on words that reflects our approach to creative work. We embrace contradictions and unexpected combinations that challenge conventional thinking.
Parrot Ox arrives free from preconceptions. When you hear our name, there's no immediate assumption about what type of work we do—allowing us to define ourselves through our portfolio rather than expectations.
Above all, we wanted a name that embodies the curious, imaginative, and engaging spirit that drives our process. Just as our work aims to spark wonder and conversation, our name invites questions and second glances.
And yes, it's quirky and joyful—just like us. Because while we take our work seriously, we’re also seriously fun.
The people
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Senior Producer
Dans Maree Sheehan epitomises the essence of a passionate advocate for the arts, dedicated to instigating positive change within creative communities worldwide. A fervent believer in the transcendent power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire action, Dans is committed to fostering environments where artists and audiences alike can thrive.
Her journey commenced with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design at the Victorian College of the Arts, where she honed her craft. Eager to broaden her horizons, she ventured across the globe to New York City in 2003, where she pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design at New York University, immersing herself in the vibrant tapestry of the city's artistic landscape.
During her twelve-year tenure in New York, Dans' journey led her to collaborate with some of the most esteemed companies in the performing arts realm. Notably with the world renowned companies Alvein Ailey American Dance Theater and Elevator Repair Service, contributing her expertise to the creation and global touring of seminal works such as "Gatz." Through her immersive experiences with this pioneering ensemble, Dans cultivated a deep understanding of collaborative art-making and the intricacies of theatrical production on an international scale.
Returning to her roots in Melbourne in 2015, Dans embarked on a new chapter as Production Manager at Back to Back Theatre, where she spearheaded the realisation of groundbreaking productions that challenged conventions and expanded artistic boundaries. After four years with Back to Back see took on the challenge of production manager and producer for Australia’s beloved Circus Oz, she was there for 18 months before the pandemic forced the temporary closure of the organisation.
Driven by her unwavering commitment to fostering artistic innovation and collaboration, Dans has cultivated a diverse array of roles, from production management to creative producing. Her ability to forge meaningful connections and build inclusive, nurturing environments has earned her a reputation as a force within the local arts community.
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Executive Producer
Lauren Eisinger has worked as a Producer and Festival Programmer in the UK, USA and across Australia and produced work with artists from every continent except Antarctica.
At the helm of her producing company Parrot Ox she has presented work with Sydney Opera House, Carriageworks, La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego), Steppenwolf (Chicago), Chamaleon (Berlin) and Hunan Art Theatre (China).She has been International Development Manager for Circa Contemporary Circus, worked for Underbelly, programming 600 shows a year into their festivals across the UK and worked for Sydney Festival under three different Artistic Directors.
Lauren’s producing philosophy is simple but rare— relationship first, always. After years of receiving terrible pitches as a presenter herself, she promised never to pitch work without understanding what a presenter actually needs, how their spaces work, and what their programming dreams are. That human-first approach, combined with a willingness to attempt the impossible, is what makes Parrot Ox different. Sydney Opera House calls first. Presenters say yes to bigger risks. Artists commit for the long term.
Lauren teaches business at at the National Institute of Circus Arts and has provided workshops for Theatre Network Australia, The Producer Lab and Montreal International Circus Festival in Canada. She is currently studying the Executive Masters of Business Administration in Cultural Leadership through the Royal Academy of the Arts in London and Maastricht University in The Netherlands.