State Theatre Company South Australia has launched SPARK – a bold new initiative designed to elevate and support local independent South Australian theatre makers.
Over the next three years, six original independent productions will take the stage as part of SPARK, a program that offers artists the tools, space, and backing they need to bring daring ideas to life.
Taking the baton from the Company’s former Stateside program, SPARK is a major step up in support for independent artists. The initiative offers artists a dedicated performance venue, rehearsal space, and extended time with State Theatre Company South Australia’s production team.
Artists will also receive comprehensive marketing and mentorship support and retain 100 per cent of the box office revenue from their productions.
Petra Kalive, Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia, says SPARK is a space for big ideas and bold voices. “SPARK is a space for fearless, unfiltered, electric theatre,” she says.
“It’s a launchpad for the brave and the brilliant – it is a way to support independent South Australian theatre makers to realise their ambitious ideas – and my hope is that there are lots of new voices in that mix.”
“We want to take the pressure off artists and put the focus back where it belongs: on making extraordinary theatre. Our job is to remove the obstacles and offer the support so artists can do what they do best: create,” said Kalive.
State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Associate Shannon Rush, who first worked with the Company on independent production Limit with Sophia Simmons in 2019, says programs like SPARK meet a vital and urgent need for local independent makers to present their work.
“Working on Limit with State Theatre Company South Australia was a transformative experience for me. It opened numerous doors within the industry and provided a valuable platform to showcase my work. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” she says.
“In South Australia, programs like SPARK are vital for independent artists, as we continue to contend with venue closures and funding challenges. I’m so excited that we can offer this exceptional platform, which supports our highly talented and diverse artists in presenting bold, innovative theatre,” said Rush.
State Theatre Company South Australia is now calling on playwrights, devisors, directors and performers who refuse to play it safe. If your work lives on the edge, SPARK is ready for you.
From 2026-2028, the SPARK program will produce two independent works per year as part of the State Theatre Company South Australia season, and be presented in the Main Theatre at the Adelaide College of the Arts.
On Wednesday 21 May, State Theatre Company South Australia will have its first Giving Day– a 12-hour fundraising blitz where all donations to the company will be tripled. All donations on this day will go to the SPARK program.
Expressions of interest for 2026 SPARK Programming are now open and close 16 June 2025. For more information, visit: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au for details.
Image: State Theatre Company South Australia launches SPARK – photo by Matt Byrne