Student Theatre Grant

What is the Student Theatre Grant?

Student Theatre plays an important part in the cultural life of the University by providing support for student theatre and performing arts on campus and enriching the ecology of student theatre on campus. The Student Theatre Grant Program offers funding to student theatre groups and individuals to encourage diversity and activation of student theatre.

Student Theatre Grants is funded by the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Theatre Take Over, Union House Theatre 2024 Union Theatre

Do Everything Now Before the World Ends, Union House Theatre 2023 Guild Theatre.
Directed and Choreographed by Xanthe Beesley and Caroline Meaden, Lighting Design Richard Vabre, Photographer Nam Chops.

Student Theatre Grant Vision

Student Theatre Grant offers student theatre groups and individuals at various stages in the creative process to assist with funding projects and performances across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this initiative is to enrich the ecology of student theatre on campuses by:

  • Removing financial barriers to engage in new and interesting ways with student theatre.
  • Encouraging innovation and diversity of work
  • Facilitating and supporting a diversity of student theatre groups on campuses
  • Supporting new voices to be heard; and
  • Creating more opportunities for engagement
  • Support projects to a maximum sum of $3000

Please ensure you read the downloadable Student Theatre Grant Guidelines below; in full, prior to completing an application.

Student Theatre 2025 Guidelines

Student Theatre Apply HERE

Dates

The application process is open and rolling until the end of 2025.

Monday 10 February 2025
9AM

Applications Open

Applicants are notified of an outcome, aim within 14 days of submission date.

Payments are made in alignment with the Student Scholarship and Bursaries timetable

Sunday 30 November 2025
11.59PM

Applications Close

Student Theatre Grant Eligibility

For full applicant and project eligibility consult the Student Theatre Grant Guidelines and details below.

  • The person submitting the Application must be a current University of Melbourne Student. If you do not fulfill this criteria, you must nominate a current student in your theatre group to be the Project Lead/Applicant.

    The following is an abridged version of eligibility criteria:

    • No funding is going towards any academic assignment or coursework activity.
    • At least 75% of the personnel involved in the project are currently enrolled students in any University of Melbourne course (undergraduate or graduate).
    • It is a requirement that the new work will result in a production/performance occurring within one year of the grant being approved.
    • No students are being paid.
    • When partnering with an industry mentor, it is required that an acknowledgment of agreement is supplied via the application form.

    Please read the Student Theatre Grant Guidelines for full information and breakdown of eligibility criteria.

    Student Theatre 2025 Guidelines

  • Theatre Groups or individuals may apply for a grant at any of the following domains in the creative process:

    • Developing an idea for an original work; or
    • Putting on an existing or original work; or
    • Start-up of a group/inaugural project*

    Please ensure you read the downloadable Student Theatre Grant Guidelines below; in full, prior to completing an application.

    *New Student Theatre Groups (from any campus) are strongly advised to become affiliated with Union House Theatre (UHT) where affiliation is free; and be provided essential support regarding budgeting, technical production, UoM venue options, and connections to workshops / training as well as the broader UoM student theatre community.

  • In selecting which application to fund, the selection committee will consider whether the project:

    • Encourages innovation and creative risk taking?
    • Encourages participation and engagement of students and audiences?
    • Encourages diversity, inclusion and sustainability?
    • Fosters new or existing collaborations of students and audiences?
    • Demonstrates realistic financial and production planning?

    Please read the Student Theatre Guidelines for full information and breakdown of eligibility criteria.

  • When completing your Smarty Grants application you will be required to provide (if applicable) 

    The following documents may be required as part of your Application evidence:

    • Evidence of support if you are partnering with an industry mentor. This can be in the form of an email or letter on letterhead (PDF).
    • Budget explanatory Notes.
      • Please provide a single PDF, explaining any budget points or highlights, supporting evidence such as quotes if required for your proposed budget
    • Additional Information as a single PDF that may support your application

    The following documents may be required as part of your Acquittal evidence:

    • Copies (PDF scan preferred) of receipts/invoices etc. pertaining to all grant spending for the Student Theatre Grant

  • If you are successful, the Acquittal Report must be submitted within one month after completion of your project or performance and encompass an evaluation report on the final activities delivered alongside a financial expenditure report.

    • Any unspent funds must be declared in the acquittal. Unspent funds of $100 or greater must be refunded to the University.
    • The University of Melbourne may use any information provided in through the Student Theatre Grant Program process for promotional purposes.

  • 2022 Theatre Board Grants Program Recipients

  • For any further clarification, assistance and/or advice on the current Student Theatre Grant rounds, application support; please contact the Student Engagement Team:

    For any further support and venue clarification, assistance and/or advice: