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 is supporting an all-new program of independent work, presented in the Main Theatre at the Adelaide College of the Arts.
SPARK support includes:
- Rehearsal space (4 weeks)
- Theatre hire (2 weeks – includes seating, cleaning, sound & lighting support/hires, box office, bar, duty technician, Front of House)
- Preproduction support – (2 weeks of set and costume build resources, prop and costume hire, production and technical advice)
- Artistic support (Dramaturgy / outside eye)
- Marketing & Publicity – inclusion in the State Theatre Company South Australia annual program, with inclusion of SPARK projects within the Subscription season)
- A fund for materials ($3,500 toward production design materials)
You provide:
- The idea, cast, creatives, stage manager, operators, show production manager, marketing and publicity plan, insurance, archival filming, volunteers for the season to support FOH (parking/directions etc)
Information pack
Applications
Applications are now open and close on Monday 16 June 2025.
Limit of one application per person/company.
FAQ
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Q Can I apply to SPARK with more than one work?
A We want you to put your best foot forward: applications are limited to one project per applicant/creative company.Q Can I apply to SPARK with a project that has already had a presentation outcome?
A 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.Q Can I apply to SPARK with a project that has no funding?
A Absolutely! SPARK applicants do not need to have proven external sources of funding – applicants will need to indicate in their application whether the project can happen independent of external funding, alongside the extensive STCSA program support.Q My project won’t be ready for 2026 – how do I apply for future years of SPARK?
A The SPARK program is committed to supporting six independent productions over the next three years (2026-28) with two SPARK productions per year, and we will run an annual public call out for interest in SPARK programming for each season.Q Can I use the materials fund to pay for other costs such as marketing or labour?
A 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.Q Can an expression of interest be submitted for subsequent years of the program for early programming confirmation to allow for longer turnaround funding?
A Current applications for SPARK are for the 2026 season. For future years, we encourage you to get in touch with Artistic Director of the Company, Petra Kalive, to discuss your idea—there may be other ways we can support your funding application outside of the SPARK process, placing you in a really good position to pitch in subsequent years.Q What about STATESIDE?
A STATESIDE has been State Theatre Company South Australia’s program supporting and showcasing great local theatre companies. SPARK will replace this program by extending the support that the Company has previously been able to offer independent artists, including a performance venue, extra time with the Company workshop and wardrobe teams, and a materials fund – a new era for independent programming deserves a new name!