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Canberra Theatre Centre Work Experience Program:
THE 1 WEEK PROJECT

Do you have a passion for theatre or live performance?
Are you a creative thinker who likes collaboration? 

The Canberra Theatre Centre Work Experience (WEX) program gives Year 10 – 12 students from across Australia, the chance to spend a week devising and performing an original work, from page to stage, and to learn from our in-house industry experts.

Successful applicants will spend the week in the Courtyard Studio, with a small group of like-minded creative students and will experience workshops in writing, devising, designing and delivering a short performance, culminating in an end of week performance to their family, friends and the Canberra Theatre Centre staff.

THE CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE WEX PROGRAM INVITES APPLICANTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN: 

  • Directing
  • Writing
  • Stage and Production Management
  • Performance
  • Design (Set, Properties, Costumes, Make-Up, Hair, Lighting, Sound, Vision)
  • Technical Operations (Lighting, Sound, Vision, Staging)

WE ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE AN ENTHUSIASM FOR:

  • Collaboration and Problem Solving
  • Leadership and Initiative
  • Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills

2026 PROGRAM DATES:

13 – 17 April 2026
22 – 26 June 2026
9 – 13 November 2026

APPLICATION FORM

Complete the application form HERE.
The application form will go live on Monday, 2 February 2026.

(Please note there are limited number of places per year, and the application form will be used solely as the basis for an offer of an interview.)

The EDUCATION TEAM at the Canberra Theatre Centre will contact you to arrange an interview on receipt of your application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

You need to fit the following criteria to apply for the 1 Week Project:

  • Be in Year 10 or above and a current tertiary-based school student.
  • Be available to attend on 1 of the weeks listed above.
  • Be available for a 30min Teams Group interview prior to the weeks listed above.

Student applications will be assessed on the following:

  1. RELEVANT INTERESTS & SKILLS:The applicant must be able to demonstrate skills or interests in one or more of the following areas of live performance delivery:

– Performance
– Directing
– Playwrighting
– Stage Management
– Design: Set / Prop / Costume / Makeup / Lighting / Sound
– Technical Operation: Lighting / Sound / Vision / Staging

  1. COLLABORATIVE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP

The applicant can demonstrate their leadership abilities willingness to work in a team by valuing respect for their peers and facilitators, attention to detail and quality, initiative and dedication, positive communication, adaptability and problem solving.

  1. CREATIVE & CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

The applicant can demonstrate their aptitude to think creatively, critically and contribute to the conceptualisation of the weeklong project.

  1. WORKING SAFELY & RESPECTFULLY
    The applicant can follow direction in relation to safety in the venue and demonstrate safe, respectful and inclusive behaviour at all times.

SAMPLE TIMETABLE OF THE PROGRAM

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION QUESTIONS

  1. Describe any previous theatre experience in your school or local community.
    (Can include technical, backstage, performing, directing, design, construction, front of house, box office, etc).
  2. Why do you love theatre / live performance? What inspires you to want to undertake work experience (and a future career) in the live performance industry?
  3. Provide an example of a time when you have demonstrated leadership and initiative.
  4. What does collaboration look like to you in a rehearsal environment?
  5. What personal qualities and strengths will you bring to the Work Experience team?

HINTS FOR THE PRELIMINARY APPLICATION QUESTIONS

When answering the preliminary questions on the application form remember too:

  1. Provide specific industry examples
  2. Highlight soft skills just as much as hard skills
  3. Show that you understand the rehearsal room
  4. Keep your responses structured, concise and professional
  5. Show enthusiasm and commitment to the industry

OPTIONAL REFEREE OR LETTER OF SUPPORT

You can upload a written reference or support letter to your application if you choose. Please go to the application form for file uploads.

CONTACT 
Email: christopher.maher@act.gov.au
Phone:  0403 845 730
PO Box 226 Civic Square ACT 2608

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