Produced in partnership with Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company the Australian First Nations Playwrights Retreat and Development program has played an important role for First Nations Playwrights and play development for over a decade.
The program takes six playwrights to a regional residency where the playwrights are provided the time and space to think, write and dream big with the support of two dramaturgs and the APT team.
Upon returning home from the retreat, playwrights enter a bespoke playwright-led development period.
“When you’re here with mob, mob just get it… the conversations can grow so much further.” — Nicola Ingram, Wiradjuri & Palawa Playwright, 2024 Participant
Apply for the Program
APPLICATION PERIOD:
Retreat Dates: 12 – 21 October, 2026
Online Info Session: 6pm AEST Mon 24 August. Registration essential, register here.
Applications open: Monday 10 August, 2026
Applications close: 11:59pm AWST, Monday 31 August 2026
Eligibility: Australian First Nations early, mid, and established career playwrights, nationally
Location: Bundanon, NSW (Dharawal and Dhurga land) and Warrang/Sydney
The Retreat is an opportunity for First Nations playwrights to spend focused time on the development of a new play or plays.
This year the Retreat will consist of 7 days at Bundanon on Dharawal and Dhurga land, and 3 days in Warrang/Sydney. Playwrights will travel to Bundanon to work on their plays with access to story and dramaturgical support through 2 on-site dramaturgs and then continue this work in Warrang/Sydney with workshops and additional support from industry professionals.
A producer will be in attendance, and will work with the playwrights and companies to produce the Retreat.
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 Warrang/Sydney for playwrights based outside of Warrang/Sydney.
- Playwrights must be available to attend the Retreat from the 12 – 21 of October. Playwrights based out of Warrang/Sydney are required to travel to Warrang/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.
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.
Who Should Apply?
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.
How Do I Apply?
Playwrights are required to submit an application via the form below. Playwrights must provide a 5 page (maximum) writing sample that includes some dialogue, provide required information and answer the following key questions:
- What play or plays you would like to work on if you are accepted into the Retreat? (max 300 words)
- Please outline your background as a playwright to date (max 300 words)
- What play or plays you would like to work on if you are accepted into the Retreat? (max 300 words)
- How could a dramaturg best support you in the development of this play? (max 300 words)
Questions About this Program or the Application Process?
We’re hosting an Online Info Session on Monday 25 August, at 6pm AEST. In this session we will go over the program, what to expect and the application process, as well as answer any questions you might have. Register for the session here.
If you can’t make the online info session, and you’d like 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.
Applications close 11:59pm AWST Monday 31 August, 2026. Apply below.
