Next Stage
NEXT STAGE is a professional development program to support emerging Western Australian theatre artists through paid employment on professional productions.
The program provides recent graduates and creatives with direct access to the professional rehearsal room and production process. Participants will gain practical industry experience, expand professional networks, and build the confidence and skills required to take the next step in their career.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Seven (7) paid placements will be offered across Black Swan productions throughout the year.
Applicants can apply for placements including:
- Assistant Director;
- Assistant Creative (lighting, sound, set or costume design, movement directors);
- Assistant Dramaturgist; and
- Assistant Stage Manager.
Each position will run for approximately six weeks (including rehearsal period, creative & production meetings, production week, and the performance season). Adjustments to schedules will be taken into account for roles that require a longer lead-up time.
Participants will be contracted and paid at industry rates, with full insurance coverage through Black Swan. The fee for each role will be $7,500 + Superannuation.
In some cases (e.g. Assistant Director roles), placements may span two productions.
“As an aspiring young artist, the biggest breakthroughs in my career happened when I was given the chance to be in the room of a professional production.
I clearly remember the thrill of witnessing a director arrive at a creative breakthrough, or seeing an actor discover the voice and physicality of a character for the first time. Equally important were the moments of struggle - when artists experimented, persisted, and ultimately found clarity.
I will never forget these precious opportunities afforded to me and I still draw on the wisdom I gained from meaningful access to exceptional artists. Close proximity to inspirational artists and their practice can shape a young artist for the rest of their life, strengthening their creative confidence at pivotal moments.”
KATE CHAMPION
Artistic Director, Black Swan State Theatre Company
SELECTION PROCESS
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- have completed a relevant qualification from a Western Australian tertiary institution; and
- have graduated within the last three (3) years;
A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of placements will be allocated to WAAPA graduates.
The remaining placements may be offered to graduates from other institutions.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be sent to nextstage@blackswantheatre.com.au by Friday 17 July 2026.
Please provide a one-page submission addressing the following points:
- Which artform strand are you applying for? e.g. Lighting design/Stage Management etc
- What motivates you to work in live theatre?
- What do you hope to gain through participating in this program?
- What attributes make you suitable for this program?
Please also include a current CV / Bio and contact details of two industry referees.
A shortlist will be developed and an interview process will be conducted (applicants not based in Perth are able to interview online).
The Panel will work to match applicants with a position in their chosen discipline. Once selection of a successful pool of candidates has been made, Black Swan will undertake a process to identify the best match of relevant Creative with Assistant, and production. This timeline will vary according to Season programming and contracting of Creatives.