Story Assembly Expression of Interest

STORY ASSEMBLY

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Story Assembly is a new residency at Shark Island Kangaroo Valley, dedicated to emerging Story Makers and actors in their first ten years of practice.

Led by Shark Island Kangaroo Valleys' Residency Director Samantha Chester, the program draws on the foundations of Mary Overlie’s Six Viewpoints and her extensive experience as a physically driven theatre maker, educator and director. It is a unique program that values and honours the artist through deep practice, reflection and rigourous inquiry.

In 2025, the residency explored climate catastrophe and the intimacy of grief, inspired by Stephen Dupont’s “Are We Dead Yet Pt 1”. The program brings artists together to develop contemporary true stories reflecting Shark Island’s creative priorities as a documentary film leader.

Check out what the participating Artists have to say!

As part of the Residency, you will receive a $3,000 grant from SIKV to cover travel costs and incidentals — $500 each for Residencies 1 and 2, and $2,000 for the third Residency. All accommodation and meals will be provided during your stay at Shark Island Kangaroo Valley.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SIKV

Residency 1: 27-Apr - 3-May 2026 ( 6 days/5 nights) Practice and Invitation to Ensemble

Residency 2: 14-Sep - 20-Sep 2026 (6 days/5 nights) Material Creation and Development

Residency 3: Late February 2027 (3/weeks) Performance Outcome
ARTIST INFORMATION
First Name
Last Name
Pronouns
What state are you currently residing in?
Mobile Number

Phone Number
E-Mail Address
example@example.com

PLEASE ANSWER THE BELOW QUESTIONS
Please describe what is of interest to you as an artist at the moment? What stories are driving your curiosity?

0/250
Please share how you collaborate with other people. What conditions or environments make a creative space productive for you?

0/150
Please share why a program like Story Assembly would be beneficial to you at this stage in your career. What specific support, or connections are you hoping to gain through participating?

0/150

The program involves three residencies. The third residency is optional and focuses on developing a performance outcome. At this stage, can you please indicate whether you are able to commit to attending the first two residencies? We understand that substantial work commitments can arise, so this question is simply to help with planning and does not affect selection outcomes. (please tick):

Yes - Residency 1: 27 April - 3 May 2026Yes - Residency 2: 14 - 20 September 2026
Please include a brief outline of your training and experience (200 words):

0/250
Please include a short video of your work no more than three minutes, something you are excited about! (optional):
Please upload a headshot.

Please upload a headshot.IMPORTANT: Uploaded file must NOT be more than 3 MB.
Cancelof

Should be Empty:

STORY ASSEMBLY

ARTIST INFORMATION

PLEASE ANSWER THE BELOW QUESTIONS