SPARK
A new initiative for independent theatre makers
Are you ready to break the rules, push the form, and ignite something entirely new?
SPARK is a space for fearless, unfiltered, electric theatre. We’re searching for theatre-makers: playwrights, devisors, directors, and performers who refuse to play it safe.
If your work lives on the edges, thrives in the unexpected, and demands to be seen, felt, and heard, we want you.
From 2026-2028, State Theatre Company South Australia will support six new independent works – two per year – presented at the Adelaide College of the Arts.
SPARK will extend and elevate the support previously offered for independent South Australian artists (formerly known as STATESIDE), including the addition of a performance venue, full ticketing services, and extended time with the Company’s pre-production resources. We provide over $100K in-kind support, plus 100% of the box office goes directly to the artists!
• Applications open Mon 20 April, 2026
• Applications close Fri 8 May, 2026
• Applicants notified from Mon 25 May, 2026
For more information, download the Artist Information Pack below.
If you have any questions, please contact our Artistic Team on info@statetheatrecompany.com.au
SPARK is made possible by State Theatre Company’s 2025 Giving Day fundraising campaign, and the many friends of the Company who supported it.
Check out our 2026 SPARK shows:
Information pack
Applications
Applications are now open. Click here to apply.
Applications close on Friday 8 May, 2026.
FAQ
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Can I apply to SPARK with more than one project?
We want you to put your best foot forward: applications are limited to one project per applicant/creative company.Can I apply to SPARK with a project that has already had a presentation outcome?
SPARK eligibility requirements detail that the project must be an unproduced script or work: your proposal for SPARK cannot have had a professional outcome, however it can be the result of previous creative developments.Can I apply to SPARK with a project that has no funding?
Absolutely! SPARK applicants do not need to have proven external sources of funding. If you are successful in being shortlisted you may be required to provide a budget that indicates whether the project can be delivered irrespective of successful external funding.My project won’t be ready for application in 2027 – how do I apply for future years of SPARK?
The SPARK program is committed to supporting six independent productions over three years (2026-28), two productions per year. We will run an annual public call out for applications each of the three years, with the final call out in 2027 (for 2028 production).Can I use the materials fund to pay for other costs such as marketing or labour?
The $3,500 materials fund is strictly a contribution to materials to support independent artists in realising the design of the Project, alongside the in-kind support of 2 weeks with the STCSA workshop and wardrobe teams. This fund will be accessed and acquitted through the reimbursement of actual materials costs.My project is not ready yet, but I really want to be in SPARK! Can I submit an EOI ahead of next year?
Applications are currently only open for the 2027 season. If the project isn’t ready yet, don’t worry, you can apply next year.What is the process after applications close?
Your application will be assessed by our team and shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview. At this point you may be asked to provide some additional information such as a budget, detailed marketing plan and timeline. Those who are unsuccessful will be notified by email.Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Get in touch with our Artistic Team if you need to discuss your application further. Email info@statetheatrecompany.com.au or call 08 8415 5333
Thank you
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Arts Projects Australia, Ian Scobie & Lee Cumberlidge Rob Brookman Chris & Christine Guille Jill Hill & Bob Warner Diane Ranck Sarah Rohrsheim Roger & Helen Salkeld/FWH Alison & David Smallacombe Simon & Kate White -
Pauline Atkinson Roger Beagley Susan Dawe Jane & Ian Doyle OAM Kate Duggan Sheryn Foord Nick Hays Margo Hill-Smith John Irving Petra Kalive Thomas Kimber Sonia Laidlaw Claudine Law Nicholas Linke Shelley Lush David & Pamela McKee Pamela McKee Pam O’Donnell Maria Panagiotidis Leon Pitchon Andrew & Gayle Robertson Nigel Steele Scott Chris Scriva Anne Simmons Andrew Sweet Kaye & Ian Thomson Joe Thorp Pip Williams