Looking to develop a theatre production, spoken word event, comedy show, music-led performance or new live work for the stage?
Applications are now open for First Run, Council's new performing arts development program designed to help artists move creative ideas from development to live audience performances.
First Run provides time, space, funding, and professional support to help artists test, refine and share new work while building meaningful connections with the Monash community.
Supporting bold and original performances, First Run offers two tailored streams for artists or performers working at different scales and stages of development.
Theatre Stream
Theatre Stream supports the development and presentation of larger-scale live performance works to be performed at Clayton Theatre.
Successful applicants may receive:
In-kind venue hire of Clayton Theatre
A dedicated two-week development and performance period.
Up to $3,000 in project funding for creative development and/or technician costs*.
Professional advice and support from Monash's Creative Industries team.
Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build networks with artists and the community.
Promotion through Council communications channels.
Information about relevant professional development opportunities and sector initiatives.
*Technician hire is via Council's preferred contractor which will attract costs. Program funding can help to supplement but may not cover full costs of the contractor.
Suitable for:
Theatre
Contemporary performance
Music-led performance
Interdisciplinary live works
Performance Program
Applicants can choose from three prebooked development periods available at Clayton Theatre.
Development period |
Dates |
Period 1 |
27 April - 10 May 2027 |
Period 2 |
6 July - 19 July 2027 |
Period 3 |
7 September - 20 September 2027 |
Timelines
Performance and development period timeline includes:
2-3 days for bump-in, rehearsal and technical setup
8-9 days of public performances
1-2 days for bump-out
Small Works Stream
The Small Works Stream supports concepts, development and presentations of smaller-scale, and artist-led performance projects.
The stream supports the development of more experimental small group or solo performances, presentations, workshops, program testing, readings, spoken word events, or community collaboration.
This is ideal for artists seeking extended development time and low-technical requirements.
Successful applicants may receive:
In-kind venue hire of the Black Flat Community Hall artist in residency space.
A dedicated six-week performance and development period.
Up to $1,500 in project funding.
Professional advice and support from Monash's Creative Industries team.
Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build networks with artists and the community.
Promotion through Council communications channels.
Information about relevant professional development opportunities and sector initiatives.
Suitable for:
Approved work outside of residency space.
Small performances suited for residency space.
Performances that do not require audio visual or lighting.
Performances that do not require loud music as the space is not sound proofed.
Performance Program
Applicants can choose from two development periods available at Black Flat Community Hall artist in residency space with dates to be finalised with successful applicants.
Performance-based outcomes can take place outside of the artist-in-residency space but should be in a Monash location where possible.
Development period |
Timing |
Period 1 |
February / March 2027 |
Period 2 |
May / June 2027 |
Timelines
Performance and development period timelines include:
4-5 weeks of focused creative development
1-2 weeks of presentations, workshops, performances or other public outcomes
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Applicants are eligible to apply to both streams but will only be awarded one.
To be eligible for either stream, applicants must:
Demonstrate that key project participants live, work or practice in Monash.
Demonstrate a clear connection and public outcome that benefits the Monash community.
Demonstrate a new or original performance concept or program.
Have valid working with children's check.
What types of performance or development programs can be supported?
First Run supports a wide range of performances or development programs including:
Creating, developing and presenting new live performance work.
Creative research and development.
Engagement of specialist practitioners such as directors, dramaturgs, composers, choreographers and designers.
Workshops, mentorships and skills development opportunities.
Community engagement and audience-testing activities.
Projects preparing presentations at larger festivals, such as Fringe Festival, Comedy Festival and Midsumma.
How will applicants be selected?
Council's Creative Industries team will assess applicants based upon the following key selection criteria:
- Concept (50%) - How well does the application demonstrate an original or new concept for development.
- Community benefit (30%) - How well does the proposal provide a performance or development outcome that benefits the Monash community.
- Production experience (20%) - Does the applicant demonstrate the required level of experience to deliver their proposal.
Key dates
Applications open - Thursday 29 October – Wednesday 2 December
Successful applicants notified by Monday 14 December
First Run Welcome Session (Online) - Wednesday 16 December
