• 2026 Australian First Nations Playwrights Retreat & Development Program

  • About the Program

    Australian Plays Transform in partnership with Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company invite Australian First Nations playwrights from around Australia to submit an Expression-of-Interest to participate in a residential writing retreat and development program.

    We welcome EOI submissions from Australian First Nations early, mid, and established career playwrights.

    We also welcome EOI submissions from Australian First Nations writers in other genres with some playwriting experience.

    All EOIs are evaluated by Australian First Nations theatre industry practitioners.

    KEY DATES: 

    This year the Retreat will consist of 7 days at Bundanon on Dharawal and Dhurga land, and 3 days in Sydney/Warrang.

    Playwrights will travel to Bundanon to work on their plays with access to story and dramaturgical support through on-site dramaturgs and then continue this work in Sydney with workshops and additional support from industry professionals.

     

    • The Retreat will be held at Bundanon, NSW (Dharawal and Dhurga land) and Sydney/Warrang from 12 - 21 October, 2026.
    • Applications Open: August 10, 2026 
    • Applications Close: 11:59pm AWST, Monday 31 August 2026


    The Retreat is playwright-led in that:

    • Playwrights nominate the dramaturgs they'd like to work with
    • Playwrights are consulted on what skills they'd like to develop and how they best work and this is accommodated
    • Playwrights are consulted on the next steps of the development of their work and have input into development structure and outcomes.
    • APT will work with playwrights, where requested, to forge pathways for their play toward further development and or production opportunities.

    Digital publication, distribution and licensing of the plays developed is also offered to the participating playwrights through APT’s Blakstage collection: https://apt.org.au/blakstage-2/

    To touch base with a human about this Program, please contact APT's Creative Producer, Sian Murphy: sian@apt.org.au. She will get back to you within 2-3 business days.

    About the Retreat
    The Retreat will be held at Bundanon, NSW (Dharawal and Dhurga land) and Sydney from 12 - 21 October, 2026. 

    The Retreat is an opportunity for First Nations playwrights to spend focused time on the development of a new play or plays.

    Whilst the Retreat structure and rhythm is determined by the participating playwrights, playwrights will have access to story and dramaturgical support through two on-site dramaturgs.

    A producer will be in attendance, and will work with the playwrights and companies to produce the Retreat.

    Bundanon accessibility: There are wheelchair accessible rooms at Bundanon. If you would like more information about these rooms, or to discuss your access needs, please contact us. There is also an opportunity to outline your access needs (including any carer needs) within the application.


    Other Important Information

    • Playwrights will be paid a fee for their participation on the Retreat.
    • Retreat accommodation, travel, and food will be provided for by APT. This includes travel to Sydney for playwrights based outside of Sydney.
    • Playwrights based out of Sydney are required to travel to Sydney on Sunday, 11 October.
      Up to six (6) playwrights will be selected to attend the Retreat.
    • After the Retreat there are resources to support further development of the plays, including workshopping opportunities with creatives and ongoing dramaturgical support in 2027.

    Completing this Form

    The application takes an estimated 30-60 minutes to complete.

    If you have questions about this form or would like any assistance completing it, please contact APT's Creative Producer, Sian Murphy: sian@apt.org.au. She will get back to you within 2-3 business days.

  • Section 1 of 4: Your Details

    These details enable us to contact you and to confirm your eligibility. A reminder that wherever possible, APT uses a blind reviewing process to assess applications for our programs. This means that we will hide identifying details about you from the decision-making panel. If you have any questions or concerns about the information we ask for in this form, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@apt.org.au.
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  • Section 2 of 4: Your Practice and Experience

  • Please nominate which stage of your playwriting career you most identify with:*
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  • Section 3 of 4: Tell us about your project

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  • Does your project include specific First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property?*

  • Section 4 of 4: Demographics (Optional)

  • The following questions help us understand whether our programs are reaching a wide range of people.

    Answering the questions below is your choice, and will have no impact on the success of your entry.

    Your information will not be seen by anyone other than APT staff. The responses are de-identified and aggregated in order for us to report to the Board and government funders, who ask for this information.

    If you would prefer to not answer these questions, please skip this section. 

  • Do you identify as First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander)?
  • Do you identify as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD), a Person of Colour, or from a non-western background?
  • How do you describe your gender? (select all that apply)
  • What personal pronouns do you use? (select all that apply)
  • Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
  • If yes and you would like to add more detail, please feel welcome to select from the below (select all that apply)
  • Are you living with disability and/or are d/Deaf?
  • Are you based in a regional or remote area?

  • Thank you for filling out the above application form.

    By submitting this application you acknowledge that all the information you have provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. 

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