About our Emerging Artist Programs

Emerging Artist Programs are career pathways for ambitious artists aged 16–25, designed to transform creative passion into professional practice

Through intensive training in acting, directing, writing, and critical engagement, you’ll develop the skills, connections, and artistic confidence that position you for tertiary training, professional opportunities, and creative careers.

Led by industry professionals and award-winning practitioners, each program offers rigorous, practice-based mentorship that mirrors professional standards. You’ll work in small cohorts, receive regular one-on-one guidance, and create tangible outcomes that demonstrate your capabilities and build your portfolio.

Our programs create a collaborative ecosystem where emerging artists learn from each other’s practices and build the relationships that sustain creative careers. Writers work alongside directors and actors. Critics engage with new work being created. Each program strengthens the others, reflecting the interconnected reality of professional theatre-making and giving you experience at each stage of the complete creative process.

You’ll not only develop skills, you’ll receive mentorship from established artists, connections across Canberra’s theatre community, and the professional experience that opens doors. 

Choose your pathways. Develop your craft. Share your story.

Canberra Youth Theatre’s professional team helped me understand who I am as an individual artist. They created space for me to explore my interests, challenged me with difficult works, and invested genuinely in my dreams. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am today — training at Victorian College of the Arts, pursuing my passion, and carrying forward the values and practices that will shape my career. Canberra Youth Theatre is the beating heart of the ACT arts sector, and their work deserves the strongest possible support.
Emily O’Mahoney
Alumni