Theatre Works is one of Australia’s most dynamic spaces for independent theatre. To further the development of emerging talent we are seeking guardian angels who are passionate about investing in the future generation of independent theatre makers. We invite you to join a small group of art supporters and thought leaders to fund our 2023 Associate and Emerging Artists Program.

In 2023, Theatre Works will appoint six new associate and emerging artists. The initiative matches emerging artists from various disciplines with a Theatre Works production in line with their special fields of interest. The seconded artists will engage in the artistic process and extend their professional networks. This program provides one of the few opportunities in Australia for directors, makers and emerging creative producers to acquire the skills and contacts for a career in the professional theatre industry.

Since 2017, Theatre Works has facilitated the ground-breaking program dedicated to emerging artists. Until now, participation in the program has been voluntary. We recognise the significant impact our development program has had on our creative ecology and the growing need that artists need financial support to take part in such initiatives, which often require time away from other paid work. This is where we are introducing a minimal stipend of $1500 for each artist's involvement.

Theatre Works has successfully received funding towards other development programs such as our First Stories Festival, dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and our She Writes Collective, which supports female-identifying writers. Our Associate Artist Program is currently significantly unfunded and so we are asking for your help.

Alumni from our Associate Artist Program who have since progressed onto successful careers include Lyall Brooks (Artistic Director of Lab Kelpie), Vidya Rajan (award-winning playwright and comedian) and Julian Dibley-Hall (actor and independent director).

“I was a Theatre Works Associate Artist in 2018 and it was a really important step in my development as a director and artistic leader. As part of the program I worked as an Assistant Director with Tanya Gerstle which gave me great exposure to the breadth of work a director does in creating a show, it also gave me the opportunity to develop and hone skills in a professional context in collaboration with experienced artists. Being a part of this process gave me insights into a range of leadership skills and processes.” - Julian Dibley-Hall

It’s an exciting investment in people and the next generation of theatre-makers.
Thank you for your support!