Storytellers is Byron Theatre Company’s new two-stage development program for Northern Rivers artists creating original Australian theatre. Open to new plays, devised theatre, physical theatre, contemporary performance and interdisciplinary work, the program offers mentorship, dramaturgical guidance, dedicated development time and professional support. Four projects will take part in a three-day Development Lab, with up to two progressing to a five-day Project Residency. By giving artists time, space and support close to home, Storytellers helps local ideas grow into ambitious new work and strengthens the future of theatre-making in the Northern Rivers.

Storytellers is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW’s Regional Partnerships program.

Before applying, please read the Application Guidelines and Terms and Conditions carefully. You can also download a Word working copy of the application form, allowing you to prepare and save your responses before entering them into the online form. The Word document is provided for drafting purposes only and cannot be submitted as an application. All applications must be completed and submitted through the online Expression of Interest form by the closing date.

Applications open: Monday 21 September 2026
Applications close: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 6pm AEDT
Applicants notified: End of November 2026

Discuss Your Project: producer@byroncentre.com.au

In 2025, Byron Theatre Company piloted its Storytellers Program with a two-day Art of Storytelling masterclass led by acclaimed writer and director Wesley Enoch. Twenty participants brought their own creative projects into the room, exploring storytelling, developing original work and strengthening their ideas through an intensive weekend of practical creative development. The pilot helped lay the foundations for the expanded Storytellers Program.

Photo: Wesley Enoch (Creative Australia) and Bianca Sirianni (Byron Theatre Company).

Storytellers gives Northern Rivers artists the time, space and professional support to develop original work close to home. Through mentorship, dramaturgical guidance and focused creative development, participants can test ideas, refine their artistic vision and explore new possibilities in a supportive environment.

The program also creates opportunities for artists to build skills, strengthen creative relationships and connect with the region’s broader performing arts community. By investing in local talent and supporting projects through their early development, Storytellers aims to nurture ambitious new Australian theatre, create pathways for future presentation and strengthen the future of performance-making across the Northern Rivers.

Byron Theatre opened in 2003 as the cultural heart of Byron Community Centre, presenting a diverse program of theatre, music, comedy, dance, film and community events. Building on this creative legacy, Byron Theatre Company launched in 2025 to develop and present original Australian theatre. Its mainstage productions have included Displace I Call Home and Tirra Lirra, bringing compelling stories and distinctive voices to local audiences.

Through productions and development programs such as Storytellers, the company nurtures artists, creates pathways for new work and supports a vibrant future for theatre-making across the Northern Rivers.