Lead the future. Shape our vision. Represent young artists.
We’re looking for young people aged 13-25 who are passionate about the arts and ready to change the way theatre is made with, by and for young people.
The Youth Creative Council is a leadership program that equips 8-12 emerging artists with the confidence and skills to drive cultural change. You’ll work directly alongside our Artistic Director & CEO on the decisions that shape our future, connecting with young artists across our programs and the broader youth community to make sure their experiences and aspirations are heard and acted upon.
As a Youth Creative Council member, you’ll advocate for youth voices and help decide what stories are told, how we operate, and who we are. You’ll also become an active member of our artistic operations:
- Participating in and contributing to organisational conversations
- Running and organising events for your fellow young artists
- Attend artistic and advocacy events as Canberra Youth Theatre representatives
- Advocate for the importance of youth engagement in the arts
We’re especially keen to hear from young people who experience barriers to accessing the arts, whether these barriers be financial, cultural, social, or a result of underrepresentation. The Youth Creative Council is open to everyone. You don’t need any formal experience in theatre or leadership to apply – curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work collaboratively are what matter most.
| ELIGIBILITY | Aged 13-25 |
| DATES | 30 March – 30 November See Meeting Dates below |
| TIMES | Monday, 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| DURATION | 8 months |
| LOCATION | Canberra Youth Theatre Gorman Arts Centre Batman Street, Braddon |
Applications Close Tuesday 10 March
Please read the Youth Creative Council Guidelines before applying.
Who should apply?
This program is for creative thinkers aged 13-25 who want to grow as leaders and drive cultural change. You might be the right person if you’re:
- Passionate about taking the lead and speaking up
- Ready to bring different perspectives and challenge how things are done
- Eager to learn about the transformative power of the arts
- Committed to co-leading our future.
Application Information
Applications Open: Tuesday 3 February 2026
Applications Close: Tuesday 10 March 2026
To apply please follow these steps:
- Complete the Application Form
- Your application will then be considered by our team.
- Outcomes will be sent to everyone by Monday 16 March
- Begin at our first meeting on Monday 30 March
If you have any questions about the application process, please email info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au
Meeting Dates
Monday 30 March
Monday 11 May
Monday 22 June
Monday 3 August
Monday 14 September
Monday 26 October
Monday 30 November
All meetings are from 6:00 – 8:00pm
What You Will Do
The Youth Creative Council is made up of 8-12 young people from across the ACT who want to change the way theatre is made with and for young people, have a say in how Canberra Youth Theatre is run, and make creative things happen in their own communities.
Ongoing workshops in creative leadership
Build skills in advocacy, inclusive practices, strategic planning, and leading community engagement programmes. Learn to articulate your vision, navigate the sector, and champion change – developing practical expertise you can take anywhere.
Strategic decision-making power
Assess works being considered for our artistic programme. Shape programming decisions, venue operations, and organisational priorities. Your voice directly influences what happens on our stages and in our community.
Representative voice and advocacy
Channel perspectives from young people across the ACT into real decisions. Gather feedback from your peers, advocate for diverse voices, and ensure we’re genuinely serving the youth community. Your role is to listen, represent, and speak up for your generation.
Community consultation and co-design
Consult with the youth community on proposed initiatives. Co-design opportunities that respond to what young people need and want – shaping how we develop and deliver programmes for emerging artists.
Hands-on curatorial experience
Program and host Scratch nights throughout the year – selecting artists, shaping creative direction, and presenting emerging work to the public. Build tangible skills in curation, event management, and championing new voices.
Governance training and professional development
Option to observe Board of Directors meetings, gaining real-world experience in how arts organisations are governed at the highest level. Learn how strategic decisions are made and contribute to organisational planning.
Professional mentorship and sector connections
Work directly with our Artistic Director & CEO, staff, Board members, and artists. Build relationships with sector leaders, expand your professional network, and connect with opportunities across the arts industry.
Platform for policy and advocacy
Represent youth voices in sector forums, government consultations, and advocacy initiatives that shape the future of arts in the ACT. Contribute to submissions, policy conversations, and cultural change beyond our organisation.
We know people have school, uni, work and caring responsibilities, so we’ll be flexible with time commitment and will work with you to make the schedule manageable.
Two members will serve as Co-Chairs, providing peer leadership and liaising directly with the Artistic Director & CEO. All members can nominate for these positions, with selection made collaboratively.
What you’ll become
A confident emerging cultural leader equipped with practical skills in advocacy, governance, strategic planning, and cultural leadership. You’ll know how to articulate your vision and champion change.
A representative voice who channels perspectives from the youth community into real organisational decisions. You’ll advocate for diverse voices and ensure young people genuinely lead our work.
A curator and programmer with hands-on experience programming public events, selecting artists, and championing emerging work. You’ll build tangible skills that translate across the arts sector.
A networked professional connected to industry leaders, Board members, sector opportunities, and visiting artists. You’ll have access to mentorship, references, and pathways into the broader arts industry.
An advocate who shapes policy, contributing to government consultations, sector forums, and cultural initiatives. You’ll have a platform to influence how arts and culture develop in the ACT and beyond.
Your impact
Youth Creative Council members’ contributions directly shape our work. As a Council member, you’ll:
- Select work for our artistic programme by assessing works being considered for our season
- Represent youth voices in policy conversations through government consultations, sector forums, and advocacy initiatives
- Co-design new programmes that respond to what young people need and want
- Guide company operations by advising on how our work and spaces can better serve young artists and the community
- Programme Scratch nights by curating and presenting regular events showcasing emerging work
- Shape organisational planning by influencing strategic decisions, community partnerships, and how we show up in the sector
We commit to publicly naming your specific contributions and impact each year. You’ll receive a professional reference from the Artistic Director & CEO at completion, documenting your leadership, curatorial work, and contributions to the organisation.
Other Questions
Do I need theatre experience?
No. If you care about making theatre and the creative arts accessible and responsive to young people, we want to hear from you. You don’t need to be “already in theatre” – thoughtfulness, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate are what matter most.
What’s the actual time commitment?
3-5 hours per month including in-person meetings every 6 weeks (Monday evenings, 6-8pm) and preparation for assessing new works, consulting with young people, or gathering feedback. You can also choose to attend Board of Directors meetings as an observer. The schedule is designed around school, work, study, and caring responsibilities, and we’ll be flexible to make it manageable.
What are Co-Chairs?
Two Council members who provide peer leadership and liaise directly with the Artistic Director & CEO. All members can nominate for these roles, with selection made collaboratively.
Can I attend Board of Directors meetings?
Yes. Youth Creative Council members are welcome to attend as observers throughout the year. It’s optional and based on your interest – an opportunity for governance experience at the highest organisational level, not a requirement of participation. Attendance will be limited for each meeting.
What are Scratch nights?
Regular events showcasing works-in-development, experiments, and emerging artists. As Youth Creative Council members, you’ll curate and programme them – selecting artists, shaping creative direction, and hosting the events.
What decisions do I actually get to make?
You’ll assess new works being considered for our artistic program, consult with the youth community on proposed initiatives, contribute to organisational planning, guide community partnerships, and program Scratch nights. You’ll also contribute to policy conversations and sector advocacy on behalf of young artists. These aren’t hypothetical – you’ll have meaningful influence over what happens at Canberra Youth Theatre, with your voice directly shaping the decisions that matter.
How do Youth Creative Council members represent the youth community?
You serve as a council of representatives for the entire youth community at Canberra Youth Theatre – gathering feedback from your peers, advocating for diverse voices, and ensuring young people’s perspectives shape our decisions. You’re not just speaking for yourself, you’re channeling the voices of young artists across the ACT and amplifying them on a national stage. We aim to create opportunities for Council members to represent ACT youth voices at national youth advocacy events, youth arts forums, and sector conferences, connecting our community to broader conversations about the future of arts and young people across Australia.
Will I get a reference?
Yes. All Youth Creative Council members receive a professional reference from the Artistic Director & CEO at completion, documenting your leadership, curatorial work, and contributions to the organisation.
What if I need support to participate?
We’re committed to accessibility. Let us know in your application if you need support like accessibility accommodations or flexible arrangements, and we’ll work with you. If the online form isn’t accessible for you, you can record video responses or contact us directly at info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au
What if I have a conflict of interest?
Just let the Co-Chairs or staff know before the discussion. You can still participate in the conversation to share context, but you’ll need to abstain from voting on that particular decision. This is completely normal and happens to everyone at some point.
What can I share publicly about Council discussions?
You’re welcome to share your excitement about being on the Council and post about public Canberra Youth Theatre activities. Meeting discussions and draft documents are confidential until they’re finalised and made public. When in doubt, check with the Co-Chairs or staff before sharing.
Can I bring someone to support me at meetings?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a support person to meetings – just let us know in advance. They’ll need to sign a confidentiality agreement, but they can help you participate fully in discussions.
