The Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2026 (QPDA) is now open for submissions, marking its 13th iteration in the quest to discover and promote new Australian stories. This prestigious theatre award, established in 2002 by Queensland Theatre in collaboration with the Queensland Government, aims to support playwrights in developing fresh, compelling work for national audiences.
Unlike previous years, the QPDA 2026 has broadened its eligibility criteria to welcome not just playwrights but also theatre makers, collectives, and companies to engage with Queensland Theatre in crafting innovative theatrical pieces. Entrants need only present a captivating concept or audacious idea for a theatre work, rather than a completed script, for consideration.
Three finalists will be chosen to undergo an 18-month development process, including a regionally based residency lasting a week. These finalists will showcase their evolved works in a public reading in mid-2026, following which a distinguished judging panel with strong connections to Queensland will select the award recipient.
The winning submission will be further refined and staged as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2027 Season. The awardee, in addition to the coveted opportunity for a world premiere production, will receive a cash prize of $30,000, a full commission fee, and box office royalties from the Queensland Theatre season.
Notably, the previous QPDA winner, “Malacañang Made Us” by Jordan Shea, will debut at Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Theatre in South Brisbane on October 18, 2025. This exemplifies the program’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and bringing fresh narratives to the forefront of Australian theatre.
John-Paul Langbroek, the Minister for the Arts, emphasized the significance of Queensland Theatre and the QPDA in providing a platform for playwrights to share their stories with local audiences, fostering cultural vibrancy and contributing to the state’s creative economy. He highlighted the government’s support for artists, recognizing their pivotal role in enriching communities and enhancing Queensland’s cultural landscape.
Daniel Evans, Queensland Theatre’s Artistic Director and a previous QPDA winner, underscored the award’s role as a catalyst for launching innovative storytelling and amplifying Australian voices on the national stage. Evans expressed the organization’s dedication to crafting extraordinary theatre experiences and championing diverse narratives, emphasizing the transformative power of compelling stories.
Griffith University, represented by Professor Scott Harrison, reiterated its commitment to supporting the QPDA, reflecting on its longstanding partnership with Queensland Theatre in fostering emerging talent and realizing exceptional productions. The university’s role in promoting live theatre in Queensland was highlighted as essential for sustaining the state’s vibrant arts scene.
The call for submissions for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award is currently open, with a deadline set for October 1, 2025. Artists and creatives across Australia are encouraged to explore this unique opportunity to showcase their storytelling prowess and contribute to the rich tapestry of Australian theatre.
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