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Theatre industry support

On this page you can find organisations and guilds that support the theatre, circus and performing arts industry in Australia.

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Entertainment Assist

Arts on Tour NSW

Arts on Tour (AOT) is a performing arts touring service organisation based on Gadigal land. AOT primarily works with NSW-based artists and organisations to develop and deliver a diverse national Touring Program of new Australian work including theatre, dance, circus and work for young people. In addition, AOT runs an annual Sector Development Program that offers capacity building and best practice initiatives, networking events and free resources, including Green Touring, Backroads, Tour Lab and Salon, to support a connected, diverse and sustainable touring sector.

Go to Arts on Tour

Australian Copyright Council

The Australian Copyright Council (ACC) provides expert advice, training, and free information on Australian copyright law. Representing over a million creators, the ACC fosters collaboration between artists of all art forms and consumers, offering resources to help navigate copyright issues.

Go to the ACC

Australian Plays Transform

Australian Plays Transform (APT) is Australia's national play development, publication and licensing organisation. They offer skills development,  writers groups, collaboration opportunities, funding and awards open to playwrights nationally. They also host the largest online searchable database of Australian playwriting. APT promotes, publishes and licenses plays for future productions in Australia and internationally.

Go to APT

Australian Production Design Guild

The Australian Production Design Guild (APDG) represents designers and their associates in screen, live performance, events and digital production across Australia. They are a membership-based organisation who offer free informative guides and other resources for the industry, and a range of programs and mentorships.

Go to the APDG

Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare

The Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare is the peak body in Australia advocating for optimal health and wellbeing in the performing arts. They provide guides on topics such as injury care, psychological wellbeing and informative interviews with health practitioners.

Go to ASPAH

Australian Writers Guild

The Australian Writers' Guild (AWG) represents Australian performance writers principally in film, television, theatre, audio and interactive media. AWG offers services for paid members including script assessments, industrial resources, rate guides, a contract review and advice service, plus workshops and events. 

Go to the AWG

CircuitWest

CircuitWest is a service organisation supporting the performing arts sector in Western Australia. They offer free information and resources including guides, templates, toolkits and manuals. CircuitWest also provides professional development, marketing, research and touring support for paying members.

Go to CircuitWest

Entertainment Assist

Entertainment Assist is a national health promotion charity that raises awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the Australian entertainment industry through research, education and training initiatives and promote these resources as widely as possible through entertainment workplaces. Entertainment Assist is for everyone working in the Australian performing arts and entertainment industry including performers, support workers, crew and technicians.

Go to Entertainment Assist

Equity Foundation

The Equity Foundation is a provider of professional development programs for performers in Australia and New Zealand. They deliver free masterclasses, workshops, film screenings, in conversations, international scholarships and on-set internships for members of MEAA Equity and Equity NZ. Their goal is to  build sustainable careers and promote artistic excellence.

Go to the Equity Foundation

Live Performance Australia

Live Performance Australia (LPA) is the peak body for Australia's live arts and entertainment industry. LPA provides a range of services, including workplace relations support, advice on pay and employment conditions, and help with Fair Work Commission matters. Free downloadable resources are available to everyone, such as the Code of Practice. Further templates, factsheets and specialised information is only available to paying members.

Go to LPA

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is Australia's largest union for creative professionals. MEAA primarily serves the TV, theatre, film, journalism and entertainment industries. They offer free resources on workplace rights and contracts, and publish industry rate trackers on their website. MEAA mostly works on a paid membership basis offering various benefits and services to members. 

Go to MEAA

PAC Australia

PAC Australia is the national peak body for the performing arts sector including presenters, venues, producers and creators. They offer free and paid resources for members including training , events, networking and programs that connect presenters, producers and artists. They also undertake research, share free guides and tools, publish insights on industry trends, and advocate for the interests of the performing arts.

Go to PAC Australia

Stage Queensland

Stage Queensland (formerly NARPACA) is the peak body for performing arts centres in Queensland. They support members that provide arts and cultural experiences to local communities. They offer free industry resources on management, ticketing, technical guides, programming and touring. Paying members have access to networking opportunities, professional development activities, exclusive resources, promotion, and research.

Go to Stage Queensland

Theatre Network Australia

Theatre Network Australia (TNA) supports the performing arts industry in Australia through industry development and advocacy. They support art forms including theatre, dance, circus, physical theatre, multi-arts, experimental arts, and youth arts. They offer resources, research and advice to members and the broader sector, with a focus on independent practitioners and small to medium companies. They also offer networking gatherings for people in the industry to connect. 

Go to TNA

Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centre

The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC) is a Victorian-based membership organisation representing a wide range of performing arts venues and theatre professionals. They provide professional development and touring opportunities for members through an annual program of meetings, conferences and events. VAPAC welcomes members from local government, education, and the private sector.

Go to VAPAC
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We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.

Art by Jordan Lovegrove