Queer Playwriting Award
The annual Queer Playwriting Award is an annual collaboration between Gasworks Creative Precinct and Midsumma Festival.
A staple of the Midsumma Festival calendar, this development program aims to identify, support and develop new playwriting talent and platform queer themes for mainstream audiences to consider and enjoy. The LGBTQIA+ communities are full of diverse stories and ideas that deserve to be heard on the stages of performing arts venues throughout the country. This is the chance you have been waiting for to tell bold, new and important stories to Australian theatre audiences.
Creators of new or developing works of theatre are invited to submit their proposals for consideration by a panel of supportive industry professionals. If you have an idea for a show, a completed script, or anything in between, we want to hear from you!
Up to 4 works will be selected by the panel and invited to present a 15-minute staged reading at Gasworks Creative Precinct as part of Midsumma Festival in January 2027.
One work will be selected to receive ongoing support and development with a view to becoming a full-scale work to be presented in Midsumma Festival 2028 or beyond. The ultimate aim of the Queer Playwriting Award is to develop touring pathways for the work.
If you have any queries, contact Gasworks Creative Precinct on 03 8606 4200 or email programming@gasworks.org.au
For updates and more information, keep an eye on the Gasworks and Midsumma websites, and follow us on social media.
If you have any access needs and you need additional support to submit an application, please contact Gasworks Creative Precinct on 03 8606 4200 or email programming@gasworks.org.au
Please note: this is not open to international applicants
Key Dates:
- Queer Playwriting Award call-out commences: Fri 19 June 2026
- Call out closes: Fri 17 July 2026, 5pm
- Selection Panel Meets (to select finalists): Late July 2026
- Applicants notified and participation/details confirmed: Early August 2026
- Queer Playwriting Award & Showcase: Monday 18 January 2027
- Selection Panel Meets (to select Award recipient): February 2027
- Award recipient announced: Late February/early March 2027