Byron Theatre Company Launches Free Storytellers Program For Northern Rivers Artists
Local theatre-makers can turn developing ideas into stronger productions with mentoring, paid creative time and a Byron Theatre residency.
New theatre-makers can develop original work through paid creative time, mentoring and a residency at Byron Theatre.
Northern Rivers theatre-makers have a new opportunity to develop original productions close to home, with Byron Theatre Company opening expressions of interest for its free Storytellers program.
Based at the Byron Community Centre, the two-stage program will give selected creative teams time, financial support and professional guidance to explore work already in development. It is open to projects including new plays, devised theatre, physical theatre, contemporary performance and interdisciplinary work.
Four projects will be selected for a three-day Development Lab at Byron Theatre in January 2027. Each will receive $800, mentoring, dramaturgical guidance, dedicated development time and professional photography.
Up to two of those projects will then advance to a five-day Project Residency between February and April 2027. Each residency includes an additional $2,500, continued creative support, access to Byron Theatre, technical assistance and an opportunity to present a work-in-progress showing.
Byron Theatre Company creative producer Bianca Sirianni said the program was designed to help regional artists discover what their projects need next.
“There is so much creative talent here, but developing new work takes time, space and support,” she said. “Storytellers is about creating that opportunity and helping artists work out what their project needs next.”
Confirmed mentors include producer and arts leader Jane Fuller and director Heather Fairbairn. Actor and director Wayne Blair is among the guest mentors who will work with artists during the residency stage.
The program expands Byron Theatre Company’s artist development work and aims to give local creators a stronger pathway for making theatre in the region. Its structure allows artists to test ideas, receive feedback and collaborate before deciding how to take a production forward.
Storytellers is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW’s Regional Partnerships program.
Expressions of interest close at 6pm AEDT on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified by the end of November. Creative teams can apply at byroncentre.com.au/programs/storytellers.
Artists unsure whether their project is ready can contact Ms Sirianni at producer@byroncentre.com.au before applying. The program is intended for original projects ready for their next stage of development, offering selected teams practical support to shape an idea into a stronger work for the stage.
