MALTHOUSE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Malthouse Artist Development Program offers annual placements for experienced early-career artists who are Victorian-based to undertake professional development at Malthouse Theatre. Since 2005 this program has cultivated a new generation of ambitious theatre-makers.   

All program activities aim to provide the cohort with artistic mentorship, a broad experience of the company’s operations, and connection with a range of professional practitioners.

Seven places will be offered across the following disciplines:

Directing
Lighting Design
Set and/or Costume Design
Sound Design
Writing

Malthouse’s Artist Development Program is proudly supported by The Hansen Little Foundation.

  • A stipend of $4000.
  • Designers and Directors will assist a creative on a production in the Malthouse 2026 season. 
  • Writers will be mentored by the New Work Associates through the creation of a new piece. 
  • Invitations to all Malthouse productions throughout the year, with a bespoke workshop opportunity prior to each production to develop skills.
  • Invitations to internal company activities and other relevant industry opportunities.
  • Additional funding and/or support is available for placements who have access needs that must be met to undertake the placement.

DIRECTOR & DESIGNER PLACEMENTS

We’ll work with the successful applicants upon offer to determine a suitable schedule and role description for their placement. Placements across directing, lighting, sound, set and costume will be offered on the following productions: 

  • GAME. SET. MATCH.: 30 MAR – 6 MAY
  • Break of Day: 6 JULY – 12 AUG
  • All About Eve: 26 OCT – 25 NOV

The duration of the placement on each production, as well as the overall role and responsibilities, will be tailored to ensure the most meaningful engagement for each artist. Placements will involve a combination of observation and practical engagement, based on the skills and needs of the individual, and the opportunities available on the production. 

WRITING MENTORSHIP

The writers will be assisted to explore the craft of writing for live performance by beginning the creation of a new work. They will also further their dramaturgical skills and expand their artistic network.

WORKSHOP SERIES

The Artist Development Program is led by Malthouse Theatre’s New Work Associates, who will design a series of professional development workshops led by a range of facilitators.

  • You must be an Australian resident or be a permanent resident of Australia or have a valid visa that provides work rights.

  • You must be based in Victoria. 

  • Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrates at least three years of theatre-making practice beyond your tertiary or vocational studies (if applicable).

  • You have not been engaged or employed by the Malthouse Theatre as an artist in the creation of a work on our mainstage, or received a placement with us previously in the discipline you are applying.

Please find the application form here.  

You will be asked to provide answers to the following questions. Responses can be provided as written text, audio file, or video file.  

All applicants: 

  • What productions, developments, showings, or experiences in your career have been highlights for you, and why? (Max150 words or one-minute audio/video) 

  • What skills and experiences do you want to acquire through the Artist Development Program? (Max. 150 words or one-minute audio/video) 

  • What are common themes or stories you're drawn to? (Max 50 words or one minute audio/video) 

  • Please upload a copy of your CV (Max 10MB) 

Directors/Designers:  

  • What are the practical skills in your specific area that you can bring to a production at the Malthouse? (Max. 150 words or one minute audio/video) 

Writers:  

  • If you were to undertake the program, what is a theatre piece you would like to write? (1–3 sentences) 

  • Please upload a writing sample of a stage play that begins with as brief (1–3 sentence) description of the work it’s from. (Max five pages, or two pages for monologues) 

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 30 January 2026. 

 
If you have any questions, contact artistic@malthousetheatre.com.au. 

Malthouse Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a theatre for all. First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, People of Colour, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse, migrant and/or refugee communities are strongly encouraged to apply.