National Studio
Our Artist Development Program for Emerging Playwrights
Twenty emerging playwrights descend on Bundanon for a week-long residency of masterclasses, mentorship and the creation of twenty new plays for young Australians.
c
2026 Residency Dates
–
Since 2010, ATYP’s National Studio has been the launchpad for Australia’s most exciting young playwrights. Over one week in residence at Bundanon, twenty writers aged 18–26 come together to learn from leading playwrights and dramaturgs, take part in masterclasses, and workshop new ideas in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Across the week, each participant develops a short script for performers aged 14–17. Many of these works are published by Currency Press in the Intersection anthology and staged at ATYP’s Intersection Festival, meaning the ideas sparked at National Studio reach schools, communities and audiences nationwide.
Each year we invite three industry mentors to guide our participants. Past mentors include Sheridan Harbridge, Jules Orcullo, Tim McGarry, Lewis Treston, and Anchuli Felicia King.
Thanks our supporters, every writer selected for National Studio receives a subsidy of $1,500 from the total cost of the program. ATYP offers further scholarships and/or payment plans for those who could not attend otherwise.
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.