One of Australia’s most prestigious theatre awards is preparing to unearth bold and captivating new work with submissions now open for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2026 (QPDA).
The biennial award program returns for its 13th iteration with an ambitious and innovative approach to discovering and sharing new Australian stories with national audiences.
Since 2002, Queensland Theatre, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has celebrated and supported outstanding playwrights, helping them develop new work and bring their productions to wider audiences through the Awards.
For the first time, the QPDA 2026 has expanded its eligibility criteria to invite not only playwrights from across Australia but also theatre makers, collectives, and companies to collaborate with Queensland Theatre to create an exceptional piece of theatre.
Entrants are not required to submit a completed script, just a compelling concept or an audacious idea for a theatre work. Three finalists will be selected to participate in an 18-month development process, including a week long, regionally based residency.
In mid-2026, the finalists’ developed works will be presented in a public reading, after which an esteemed judging panel with strong ties to Queensland will select the award winner.
The winning submission will be developed and staged as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2027 Season, whose Artistic Director, Daniel Evans, won the QPDA in 2015 with Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
The winning playwright will also receive a cash prize of $30,000, with prize contribution by Griffith University, a full commission fee and box office royalties from its Queensland Theatre season.
The QPDA 2024 winner, Malacañang Made Us by Jordan Shea, makes its world premiere at Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Theatre, South Brisbane on Saturday 18 October 2025.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland Theatre and the QPDA provided unique opportunities for playwrights to develop new works and share their stories with Queensland audiences.
“Storytellers and artists are central to Queensland’s cultural vibrancy and our creative economy, providing communities across the state with exceptional arts experiences,” said Minister Langbroek.
“The Crisafulli Government’s investment in Queensland Theatre and the QPDA supports artists to sustain their careers and strengthens the state’s reputation as a leading cultural destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Mr Evans said the QPDA remained the only national playwriting award that guarantees a world premiere production as part of a major performing arts company’s mainstage season. “More than an award, the QPDA is a launchpad, a celebration of daring storytelling and a commitment to putting powerful Australian stories centre stage,” he said.
“Queensland Theatre is driven to craft exceptional, unforgettable theatre and champion new Australian voices, so we know first-hand the power that a compelling story – and a platform to share it – can have. This is one of the most prestigious awards for theatre in Australia and the creativity, imagination and vision it inspires is exhilarating every single time.”
“The QPDA holds a deeply personal place in my heart. I know just how transformative this opportunity can be and I’m excited to see where the next great story will come from,” said Mr Evans.
Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) and Assistant Vice Chancellor (Cultural Curation and Community Partnerships), Professor Scott Harrison, said Griffith University was delighted to once again support the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award.
“From what began with a production sponsorship with Queensland Theatre more than 20 years ago, we’re proud to play a role in seeing so many incredible productions and emerging talent realised, and we recognise that the continuation of live theatre in Queensland is vital,” said Professor Harrison.
Entries for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award are now open and close on Wednesday 1 October 2025. For more information, visit: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Daniel R. Nixon in Drizzle Boy by Ryan Ennis (QPDA Winner 2023) – photo by Brett Boardman