Fresh Ink +
Our emerging playwright program has been revamped!
In 2026, Fresh Ink will run in Darwin and Perth, with a bold new version in Sydney including actors and directors.
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2026 Dates
Over 18 years, ATYP’s Fresh Ink Program has mentored 179 writers across the country. Each year we invite four emerging writers to attend regular meetings with a mentor to hone their skills, build their writing community and produce two short works for the stage.
This year in Sydney, ATYP is opening the doors and inviting directors and actors to join in the creation of brand new works for the Australian stage.
Fresh Ink+ brings together four writers, four directors and eight actors, aged 18-26 or in the first five years of their practice, and mentors them individually and as a group over the course of a year. The cohort will form a stable of creatives for the company across 2026.
Fresh Ink + Sydney
The writers, directors and actors will be mentored by ATYP artists Jane FitzGerald, George Kemp, Hayden Tonazzi, Ryan Whitworth-Jones and Kate Murphy, along with some special guests!
Fresh Ink Darwin
The program will run in its original form (four emerging writers) in collaboration with Brown's Mart, mentored by INSERT NAME.
Fresh Ink Perth
The program will run in its original form (four emerging writers) in collaboration with Black Swan Theatre Company and WAYTCo, mentored by Chris Isaacs.
Acknowledgements
The highlight of the YAB calendar is YABFest – an annual showcase that celebrates new work created, curated and performed by YAB members.
Held in The Rebel Theatre, YABFest transforms ATYP’s flagship stage into a vibrant celebration of youth-driven creativity. Over one thrilling night, YAB members present an evening of short performances, readings, and experiments in form — showcasing the diversity, energy and insight of young Australian artists.
Tickets will go on sale in September 2026, so make sure you sign up to our mailing list to be first in line!
Got a question?
Australian Theatre for Young People thanks you for considering us for your next event. By hiring our venues, you support us in bringing theatre into the lives of young people around Australia, supporting emerging artists and staging productions by and for young people touching on the issues which impact them.
To make a venue enquiry, please complete our booking form or call a team member on (02) 9270 2400.