Emerging Theatre Makers Program 2026 | Masterclass & Mentoring with Benedict Andrews

Register your interest for this one-off professional development opportunity for emerging theatre-makers and directors working with internationally acclaimed director Benedict Andrews.  

Through an intimate masterclass and individual mentoring sessions, selected participants will have the chance to gain insights and workshop their own creative processes or projects with a director whose work spans some of the world’s leading theatre stages.

This opportunity is offered as a three stage program to 10 promising emerging theatre makers/collectives; consisting of a masterclass, 1:1 mentoring session and group attendance at the Wal Cherry Lecture at the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Selected applicants must commit to being available for all three stages of the program across the three days from Thursday 3rd December to Saturday 5th December. 

Mentoring sessions will be allocated upon selection into the program. Date preference to be indicated in your EOI.

Who should apply?

Helpmann eligible Emerging theatre-makers and directors looking to expand their creative practice, explore new approaches to making theatre and develop their artistic voice.

https://helpmannacademy.com.au/who-we-support/

KEY INFORMATION
EOIs open Wednesday 4 November 2026 2PM ACDT
EOIs close Tuesday 17 November 2026 11:59PM ACDT

Applicants must be available on the following dates:

Masterclass
Date: Thursday 3 December
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Location: Flinders University City Campus

1:1 Mentoring
Friday 4 December
Times: Sessions available between 9:00am-1:30pm (50 min time slot)
Location: Flinders University City Campus

Saturday 5 December
Time: Sessions available between 11:30am-5:00pm (50 min time slot)
Location: Flinders University, Bedford Park

Wal Cherry Lecture
Date: Friday 4 December
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

ABOUT BENEDICT ANDREWS

Born in Adelaide, Andrews is an alumni of Flinders Drama Centre . He began his professional career in the city’s independent theatre scene before becoming Artistic Director of Magpie 2 at State Theatre Company South Australia in 1997.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has directed major productions for leading companies including London’s National Theatre, Young Vic and Donmar Warehouse, Schaubühne Berlin, St Ann’s Warehouse New York, Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir.

His work spans theatre, opera, film, playwriting and poetry, and has received major Australian and international recognition. His acclaimed productions have featured some of the world's leading actors, including Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert in The Maids, Gillian Anderson and Ben Foster in A Streetcar Named Desire, and, most recently, Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss in Electra/Persona at London's National Theatre.

ABOUT US
The only organisation of its kind in Australia, Helpmann Academy empowers South Australia’s most promising emerging creatives to achieve their visions and build sustainable practices. Helpmann provides professional development opportunities including grants, awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, workshops, and artist residencies, tailored to South Australia’s tertiary education graduates and emerging artists. Helpmann Academy is a unique collaborative partnership, unifying the skills and resources of the state’s universities.

This professional development program is made possible through the generosity of Helen and Roger Salkeld, and is facilitated by Flinders University in collaboration with the Helpmann Academy. 

Image credits: L: Scene from 'Three Sisters' by Anton Checkhov / In a new version by Benedict Andrews (Young Vic_2012) R: Benedict Andrews, image supplied.