
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
Feb – Nov
Fresh Ink +
Australia's longest running program for emerging writers is expanding
Over 18 years, ATYP’s Fresh Ink Program has mentored 179 writers across the country. Each year we invite four emerging writers in each participating state 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 Ciella Lee.
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.
Thanks to the generosity of Black Swan State Theatre Company, the participation fee for Perth applicants is covered.
Important Dates
Applications Open: Thu 27 Nov Applications Close: Fri 9 Jan Monthly sessions from Feb - Nov
Location(s)
Sydney: ATYP
Perth: King Street Arts Centre
Darwin: Brown's Mart Theatre
Eligibility
Emerging writers, directors and actors aged 18 – 26 located in Sydney.
Emerging writers aged 18 – 26 located in Darwin or Perth.
Program Cost
$450 for Sydney & Darwin applicants
Free for Perth applicants
Scholarships available
Apply for a scholarship

















