This End of Financial Year, support emerging regional playwrights to access creative opportunities through Australian Plays Transform.

The Erin Thomas Regional Playwrights Fund honours playwright Erin Thomas’ optimism, her creative talent, and her generous contribution to the arts by helping emerging regional writers pursue their dreams.

Now in its 13th year, the Fund will support regional playwrights to pursue a deep creative connection with a mentor dramaturg as they develop a new play, and connect with the broader Australian theatre industry with the assistance of a travel bursary.

Generously supported by the Thomas Family delivered in partnership with Australian Plays Transform, we ask that you consider contributing to the ongoing Fund as we celebrate Erin’s birthday.

“This was such a wonderful opportunity. Feeling supported as a writer makes such a difference and especially when you are building a career in a remote or regional area – it makes a huge difference to feel connected to the wider industry.”
– Alex Edmondson, Erin Thomas Fund 2024 Participant

"We are proud the Erin Thomas Playwriting Fund has continued to evolve and support emerging regional writers over the past 13 years and reflect the creativity and generosity of our beautiful Erin."
– The Thomas Family

The Fund holds immense significance in shaping the future of Australian theatre, enabling artists to stay and thrive in the regions.

You can make your tax-deductible donation to APT through this secure giving portal. Please reach out to us at hello@apt.org.au with any queries about donating.

What will your support make possible for regional playwrights?

Donations to the Erin Thomas Regional Playwrights Fund directly fuel the development and empowerment of emerging regional playwrights.

Your contribution enables these playwrights to access invaluable mentorship with dramaturgs, playwriting masterclasses, travel bursaries and networking opportunities, empowering them to amplify their voices and connect with the broader Australian theatre community.

• $50 = A theatre ticket to an independent theatre production
• $100 = A theatre ticket to a professional theatre production
• $250 = One night of accommodation for a regional playwright travelling interstate
• $500 = An industry-led masterclass for participating playwrights
• $750 = Travel support enabling a playwright to connect with mentors, peers and the wider theatre community in person
• $1,000 = One-on-one mentorship and dramaturgical support to help develop a new play
• $2,500 = Support one playwright's participation in the program, including mentorship, creative development and travel opportunities
• $5,000+ = Help sustain and expand the program through increased travel bursaries, deeper dramaturgical engagement, additional masterclasses and new opportunities for participating playwrights

By making your gift before 30 June, you will help to equip playwrights with refined skills, enriched perspectives, and strengthened networks, ready to share their unique stories and voices with audiences nationwide.

Together, we can nurture creativity, celebrate diversity, and shape the future of Australian theatre.

To learn more about how you can support the Erin Thomas Regional Playwrights Fund, please reach out to Liz Hobart, Strategy and Development Manager via liz@apt.org.au.

For updates about the Erin Thomas Regional Playwrights Fund, visit our website or by following Australian Plays Transform on social media.