First Peoples Young Artists Program

Melbourne Theatre Company, in partnership with the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development, is offering a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in a career in the performing arts.

The program is made up of a series of workshops that explore performance skills, writing for the stage, technical and design aspects of creating a production and how to develop a marketing campaign. We then end with a short performance by the group at Southbank Theatre for family and friends.

Participants will also see a variety of live performances including comedy, dance, musical and theatre shows and have the opportunity to meet a range of industry professionals (actors, writers, directors and designers) to learn more about potential career pathways.

Program participants will be supported by Indigenous teaching artists, mentors and the Wilin Centre where they can receive cultural support and assistance in making an application to the Victorian College of the Arts, The University of Melbourne, if they wish to explore further study.

The 2020 program consists of three blocks throughout the year:

• Week 1 Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
• Week 2 Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October
• Week 3 Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December

10am to 5pm daily
MTC Headquarters
252 Sturt Street, Southbank

Some accommodation, travel and meals will be provided during the three weeks of the program. More information is available on the application form.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged between 16 – 21.
Interstate applicants are welcome to apply, however priority will be given to Victorian residents. Places are limited.

Applications for 2020 will open in February. Check back here for the application form.