Petra Kalive is an actor, director, dramaturg and facilitator. She is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (MA research Directorial Practice), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Acting), Victoria University (Solo Performance). In late 2024, Petra was appointed as the new Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia.

Petra served as the Associate Director of Melbourne Theatre Company, where she directed several works specifically focusing on stories from the margins, successfully attracting new audiences. Prior to MTC, Petra was the Artistic Director of Union House Theatre. There she played a pivotal role in mentoring, nurturing and showcasing works crafted by talented students, many of whom have since flourished in their careers within the theatre industry.

As co-Artistic Director of Melbourne Playback Theatre Company, Petra demonstrated commitment to community engagement. She worked with ensemble to create performances from real-life stories and experiences shared by a diverse range of audiences in a variety of community settings.

Petra's expertise as a director spans various sectors, including commercial, independent, community, education, and major performing arts company productions. Her fluidity in navigating these sectors has enabled her to bring fresh insights and innovative approaches to each project she undertakes.

Her notable independent directing credits include the much-acclaimed Taxithi, which had two sell-out seasons at fortyfivedownstairs (Green Room Nominated Best Director), her own work Oil Babies at Northcote Town Hall (shortlisted for the NSW Premier Literary Awards 2019), and the concert musical Carousel for Enda Markey productions (multiple Green Room nominations).  

Petra is a Churchill Fellow (2023) where she travelled to the United States, United Kingdom and Chile to research community engaged/led theatre presented in professional theatre company settings