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WINTER LAB
AN ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCELERATOR
FOR NEW WORK AND BOLD IDEAS
From musicals and solo shows to dance pieces and devised work, any live performance work at any stage of development will be considered. Over a two-week intensive, a thriving community of writers, directors, dramaturges, actors and other artists come together to support each project while simultaneously participating in group workshops, social events and other activities designed to forge connections and build community.
Since the inaugural Lab in 2020, the Winter Lab has supported 41 projects and created opportunities for 299 artists. Antipodes proudly produced the world premiere of Orlando by RACHEL LEWINDON and WILLOW SIZER (November 2023) and Storked by MYF HOCKING (May 2025), the first two Winter Lab projects to be seen through to production, and have continued development of several other works following their involvement in the Winter Lab.
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2025 PROJECT EOIs NOW OPEN
CLOSING MARCH 3RD 5PM AEDT
The 2025 Winter Lab will take place between July 7th - 19th 2025 in Naarm (Melbourne).
View all participants to date:
Click on each image to see more information.
lead Artist Testimonials
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Collaborator Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
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In addition to providing resources for developing new work, our Winter Lab prioritises opportunities for participants to engage with each other as a community. We’ll host an introductory Meet & Greet with all Lab participants, share our ‘Invitation to Engagement’ as a way to help define our approach to collaboration, and join in a final retrospective where all artists can voice their thoughts about what worked and what didn’t. Each project must also host Open Sessions where they share their project with all Lab participants to allow a glimpse into each other’s process.
Perhaps most significant, there are no expectations, outcomes or deliverables required of the Lead Artist(s) by Antipodes as part of this experience. We want to support you in any way we can to achieve what is best for the project in its current form. As such, we won’t impose any requirements, deadlines, goals, minimum number of hours or expectations for presenting your work. However, we do ask Lead Artists to host at least one Open Session where all Winter Lab participants can join and witness their process.
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Absolutely not! Anyone can be a Lead Artist and submit a project, even if it’s in a rudimentary phase.
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Thank you for your interest, we’d love to hear about you! Please fill out our Open Submission Form and specify your interest in New Work/Winter Lab.
We will consult with the Lead Artists to determine the best roles and Collaborators for their projects but having your availability, skill set, and interest noted is always appreciated.
Please note: Only shortlisted collaborators will be contacted.
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Yes, however you must be considered ‘Melbourne-based’ for the entire Winter Lab period. If your project is chosen and you are currently based outside of Naarm, we will provide travel and accommodation support.
In previous years, the Winter Lab took place partly or entirely online so that artists from anywhere in Australia (or, in some cases, the World) could participate remotely. However, the Winter Lab was created out of a desire to build community and foster interactions between participants, which we’ve learned is more beneficial when we can gather artists in a room together (it is live performance, after all).
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Due to an overwhelming number of submissions, we will only consider Australia-based artists for our new work development programs.
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This will vary depending on the project. All Lead Artists receive an honorarium and are provided resources that may include (but are not limited to): work space, opportunities for shared meals, access to a mentor or dramaturge to assist with expanding your script/idea; engagement with actors, directors, musicians, or other production personnel for collaboration and/or feedback; assistance with formatting and printing your script and/or music; and opportunities for presenting your work (either excerpts or in full).
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Absolutely not. The only requirements for projects that are developed as part of the Winter Lab are:
Antipodes Theatre Company receives right of first refusal for the premiere production (as Lead or Co-Producer)
The following credit should appear in all future versions of the script (printed or electronic) as well as in all programs and lobby display for the premiere production (regardless of whether we’re producing), alone on a separate line or on title credit pages: “[Title of Project] was developed in collaboration with Antipodes Theatre Company, Melbourne, Australia (Brandon Pape, Artistic Director & Cameron Steens, New Work Manager). [with ATC logo]”
The following credit should appear on all posters and postcards for the premiere production (regardless of whether we’re producing): “Supported by [Antipodes logo]”
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We understand the disappointment of finding out about a deadline without enough time to complete a submission or after the deadline has passed.
You’re always welcome to reach out to us at newwork@antipodestheatre.com and we might still be able to assist with your project.
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Should the Overview Info Packet feel overwhelming or discourage you in any way from applying, please contact newwork@antipodestheatre.com and we can help find an alternative that supports your application.