• 2026 APT X NIDA First Nations Emerging Writers Group

  • The APT X NIDA First Nation's Emerging Writers Group is a national writing collective for First Nation's artists and storytellers developing their writing for performance.

    Produced by APT and NIDA, the program is for emerging artists developing their skills in writing for performance and wanting to grow their skills and knowledge in dramatic writing. Amy Sole, acclaimed writer, director and dramaturg will lead the program. 

    Artists will meet online for 8 sessions from November 2026 to March 2027 to participate in skills workshops, hear from professional writers in the stage and screen industry, and workshop their own writing.

    At the end of the program, artists will have access to a network of peers, a solid foundation in writing for the stage or screen, an understanding of the principles of dramatic writing and a short piece of work that has been workshopped and is ready for pitching/further development.

    Financial support for all participants is provided via a bursary.


    Key Dates

    Applications close: 11:59pm October 28 
    Program Dates and Times:      Tuesday evenings, 7pm - 9pm AEDT, fortnightly
    Eligibility:     Australian First Nations artists nationally 

    Who is this group for?

    • Artists with an existing arts practice who want to develop skills in writing for performance
    • Artists who are interested in writing for the stage or screen
    • Emerging writers who want to gain feedback on their work and connect with other artists
    • Artists who are considering a career in writing for performance
    • Artists who are considering applying for further study in writing for the stage or screen

    What will I get from this program?

    • A solid understanding of the craft of writing for performance
    • A peer network of writers and connections with industry professionals
    • A short piece of writing that has received feedback from industry professionals and can be used for pitches, applications or further development


    Frequently asked questions:

    • What does “emerging” mean?
      Emerging generally means artists in the first eight years of their practice. We understand that different artists have different streams of practice and this can be hard to define.
    • Do I have to have written for performance before?
      Not necessarily. This group is open to anyone with an existing arts practice (eg. Acting, performance, directing, dance, visual arts) who has an understanding of performance and is wanting to write for the stage or screen.
    • Is this a paid opportunity?
      Yes, writers will receive a bursary for their participation.
    • Is there an age restriction?
      No, you can participate at any age.
    • Do I have to be in Sydney to participate?
      No. This program is all online which means you can join us from anywhere in Australia.

    Do you have questions about this program? Email us at writers@apt.org.au.

  • Indicate whether you identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both. If yes, include your nation and language groups, affiliated clans and family groups, and/or the community you most identify with below.*

  • Tell Us About You and Your Play

  • The following section consists of 4 questions/prompts:

    1. Tell us about yourself as a storyteller/artist/writer (use the terms you feel comfortable with), including any experience in performance.

    2. Describe the idea you would like to work on during the program.

    3. What do you seek to get out of the group?

    4. Tell us about a time you've given feedback and received feedback and what you learnt from the process.

       

    Answers to these will be accepted in the following formats: text, audio, or video. 

    • Text answers will be limited to 300 words.
    • Audio and video responses should be limited to 2–3 minutes.

    If you have questions about this application, please contact us at apt.writers@apt.org.au.

  • Which format would you like to submit your responses in?*
  • 0/300
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  • Does your project include specific First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property?*

  • FNCIP rights are First Nations peoples’ rights to their cultural heritage.

    APT follows the lead of First Nations people and is guided by the resources below:

    • http://www.terrijanke.com.au/indigenous-cultural-protocols-and-arts
    • https://australiacouncil.gov.au/investment-and-development/protocols-and-resources/protocols-for-using-first-nations-cultural-and-intellectual-property-in-the-arts/
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  • Why do we ask this question?
    You will be drafting and redrafting your play in response to the discussions and feedback of your Group Leader and peers. This may mean you go in a direction that the commissioning company or literary manager does not agree with. In essence, we want you to be as free as possible to make the creative decisions you want at this stage of the process.

  • Optional Demographic Questions

  • 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 head to the next section.

  • Do you live in an outer metro, regional or remote area?
  • Do you identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, a Person of Colour, or from a non-western background? This may be in addition to your ATSI background.
  • Do you identify as being d/Deaf or a person with a disability?
  • 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)

  • Acknowledgement for Application

    By selecting 'Acknowledgement for Application' above I certify that;- all information submitted in this form is true.- the work I am submitting for consideration is original and I am the author and copyright owner.
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