A new launching pad for local independent theatre makers.
State Theatre Company South Australia has launched SPARK, a new launching pad for local independent theatre makers to turn ambitious ideas into powerful mainstage productions.
Six new productions will be nurtured through the SPARK program over the next three years, giving South Australian artists the freedom to focus on creating fearless theatre that engages and inspires audiences.
Taking over from the Stateside program, SPARK will extend and elevate the support previously offered to independent South Australian artists. This includes the addition of a performance venue, full ticketing services, and extended time with the Company’s pre-production resources.
State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director Petra Kalive said:
“SPARK is a space for fearless, unfiltered, electric theatre to help the new wave of independent theatre in South Australia. SPARK will enable artists to focus on what they do best: creating phenomenal, transformative works. We want artists to do art, not be bogged down by all the other things it takes to put on a show. We will offer them the freedom to focus on their art by giving them rehearsal spaces, marketing, and production support, so they can pour all their energy into their craft. We’re on the search for theatre makers, playwrights, devisors, directors and performers who refuse to play it safe.”
SPARK provides independent artists with everything they need to stage new theatre works, from rehearsal space, technical, marketing and publicity support to a professional performance venue, with 100 per cent of box office revenue going back to the artists, giving them financial freedom to continue creating.
From 2026-2028, the SPARK program will produce two independent works per year as part of the State Theatre Company South Australia season and be presented in the Main Theatre at the Adelaide College of the Arts.
Expressions of interest for 2026 SPARK Programming are now open from 12 May – 16 June 2025. Giving Day takes place on Wednesday, May 21 from 9am-9pm.