Skip to main content

DOOR 3 2027

Applications now open. We're inviting Queensland's independent artists and companies to take up space in the Diane Cilento Studio. Applications close 11:59 pm Sunday 22 November 2026.

Apply Now
9a48c208261f12969b408986213b513798bfad84

What is DOOR 3?

DOOR 3 marks the entrance to the Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre Company's up-close and intimate venue, named for a beloved patron of the arts.

Now in its fourth year, with nine extraordinary collectives to its name, DOOR 3 is a vital entry point for Queensland artists to develop and stage bold, blistering independent theatre.

The 2027 offer

In 2027, DOOR 3 offers two six-week residencies to rehearse and present a new production, plus a four-week Open Lease: your chance to use the space your way, whether that's a scratch season, a special event, play readings or a creative development.

Selected collectives receive:

  • $5,000 seed funding
  • 100% of box office, with a $5,000 advance available for production seasons
  • Rehearsal and performance space in the Diane Cilento Studio
  • A Production Coordinator, technical support and in-kind marketing
  • Dramaturgical support and a $1,500 access allowance for production seasons

DOOR 3 Locksmiths

Frame 3

Ebony Bott – Artistic Director, Brisbane Festival

Ebony Bott is a nationally respected arts leader and producer with more than two decades of experience across Australia’s major cultural institutions. Appointed Artistic Director of Brisbane Festival in October 2025, she brings a rare blend of artistic ambition, commercial acumen and civic understanding. Previously Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House, Bott led one of the country’s most ambitious multidisciplinary programs, attracting more than 120,000 paid attendees annually. Her career spans festivals, major venues and producing organisations, with a strong commitment to artist development, equity, and audience connection. Her leadership signals a confident, future-focused chapter for Brisbane Festival.
Frame 4

Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton – Co-Directors, Polytoxic

Polytoxic is an Australian collective of intersectional feminist theatre disruptors creating provocative & accessible works underpinned by diversity, collaboration and intersectionality. Polytoxic is led by two performance-makers at the top of their game: Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton. Lisa is the renowned Co-Creator of smash-hit Hot Brown Honey, which has played to over 50,000 people across five countries, garnering numerous 5-star reviews, a Helpmann, two Green Rooms and UK’s Total Theatre Award for Innovation. Leah’s triptych of solo works interrogating gender and identity has received critical acclaim, with tours to the major Australian Festivals, throughout France and to SOHO Theatre London.
Frame 2

Ellen Kavanagh – Executive Director, Curatorial, QPAC

Ellen Kavanagh is currently Executive Director — Curatorial at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), formerly Director of Programming. Ellen is a nationally respected senior arts leader with a proven track record across Festivals, Major Performing Arts Centres and Commercial Theatre & Musicals. Her previous roles include overseeing the programming team as Head of Programming Operations, Sydney Festival; Various roles at Sydney Opera House, including Senior Producer, Contemporary Performance; Associate Producer and Company Manager, Velvet (Organised Pandemonium); and General Manager and Production Coordinator, Broadway Entertainment Group.
Frame 1

Kieran Swann – CEO, Metro Arts

Kieran Swann is currently CEO of Metro Arts, Brisbane’s home for artist development in contemporary and experimental practice. Kieran is also one half of McCarthy-Swann Projects, a curatorial collaboration that supports contemporary artists to create moments of connection, between artists, audiences, communities and individuals. Past roles include: Senior Curator for Create London; Head of Live Programme for Wellcome Collection; Head of Programme for Arnolfini, Bristol’s international centre for contemporary arts; and Program Producer for Theatre Network Australia. He has also worked on festivals and projects with Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, Performance Space 122 (now Performance Space New York), Danspace Project, and Venice International Performance Art Week.
Key dates
Applications
Close 22 November 2026
Shortlist notified By 4 December 2026
Panel meetings Week of 7 or 14 December 2026
Selection By 18 December 2026
Seasons
Season One Opens 17 April 2027
Open Lease 10 May to 6 June 2027
Season Two Opens 20 November 2027

Who can apply

Queensland-based individuals, collectives or companiesText-based theatre, though not necessarily naturalismOne act, no interval, 90 minutes maximumAll artists must be 18+

How to apply

Complete the online expression of interest. You'll need a synopsis, your key collaborators, your scenic and technical vision, a script, and a PDF or short video showing your intended aesthetic. Full details are in the Application Pack.


DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION PACK

APPLY NOW

Questions?

Contact the Queensland Theatre Company programming team at door3@queenslandtheatre.com.au or 07 3010 7600.

DOOR 3 is proudly supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Sign Up