IGNITE!

IGNITE!

Empty black office chair illuminated by pink and green colorful lights in a dimly lit room with dark patterned carpet.
A black and white line drawing of a person standing, with a speech bubble containing a light bulb above their head.
Outline of the words 'City of Ballarat' with a ribbon and star design.

Ignite! Ballarat Performing Arts Program

Ignite is an exciting new performing arts development program delivered by The Rat Lab with support from Creative Ballarat.

It will run from December 2025 to August 2026.

  • Designed to support Ballarat-based writers and performers to explore test ideas and develop new work.

  • Includes workshops, creative developments and a major work in progress.

  • Program focuses on experimentation, skill building and local storytelling

  • Provides training, time, space, dramaturgical support and seed funding for local artists

What’s involved?

  • A woman with gray hair styled in a bun, smiling, wearing a black top, a gray textured coat with fur trim, and a necklace, standing against a yellow brick wall.

    Workshop 1: Finding Your Voice with Sharon Turley

    Saturday 21st February 2026

    10am-5pm

    Your voice is one of your most valuable tools for navigating the world, yet its production often feels mysterious. Join educator and researcher Sharon Turley to explore what is behind your unique sound and build a toolbox for accessing your free, flexible voice, in every occasion.

    What to expect: 

    • Learn how your speaking voice functions and its intimate relationship with your breath and nervous system.

    • Explore the melodic qualities of your speaking voice.

    • Discover techniques to access more vocal power, range and nuance.

    • Take home personalised recommendations to support healthy vocalising. 

    Suitable for performers, public speakers and anyone wanting more confidence in their voice.

    TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

    $60 - Full

    $45 - Concession card and students

    $20 - Mob tickets (First Nations)

    Buy tickets
  • An empty office space with black carpet, a metal and black leather office chair, and colorful pink and green lighting projected onto the wall.

    PilotLight

    Two creative developments with dramaturgical support

    • Artists receive space, guidance and a public sharing opportunity

    • Open to emerging and mid career practitioners

    • EOIs have closed for 2026 - projects announced soon

    PilotLight is for live performance projects at an early stage of development.

    We’re looking for artists with an exciting idea or question they want to explore, who need time and space to test things out and see what works. 

    We support new ideas, experimentation and risk-taking. 

    We ask artists to share their research at the end of the development via a small public showing. We do this to encourage other Ballarat artists to engage in the creative process, and build community.

    Applications have now closed. Stay tuned for more information about the development showings.

    More info
  • Empty office chair illuminated by pink and green colored lights, casting colorful reflections on the dark carpeted floor, with a plain wall in the background.

    SpotLight

    One major work in progress development

    • Includes public outcome in July/Aug 2026

     • Open to experienced artists with a well-developed concept and/or draft script - original content only

     • SpotLight will support 1x well-developed performance project to realise a public showing and provide limited technical support.

     • This is for artists with an established practice, strong concept and existing creative material at an advanced stage. 

    • Spotlight will provide cash, rehearsal space and a well-equipped, contemporary, black box performance venue

    • The performance season will be Thurs 30 Jul - Sat 1 Aug 2026

    • Applications are now open

    • Applications close Sat 11 Apr 2026

    Click below for more information and link to application form.

    Apply Now
  • Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair wearing glasses and a light-colored top, sitting at a table with her arms crossed. Background shows bookshelves.

    Workshop 2: Dramaturgy with Jane Harrison

    Sunday 22nd February 2026

    10am-5pm

    Dramaturgical thinking is a skill set that adds depth to your playwrighting practice. And it’s a possible income stream. Celebrated playwright and literary director Jane Harrison will pose a set of questions that will help you think of the big picture when engaging with a new work. Bring along a playscript that you are working on if possible.

    What to expect: 

    • Workshop introduces dramaturgical thinking for playwrights and theatre makers

    • Participants will work through key questions that support the structure and intention of a script

    • Attendees are requested to bring a finished playscript - this does not need to be one you’ve written yourself.

    • Workshop will be delivered in a supportive environment, with opportunities for artists at any stage in their career to develop dramaturgy skills and knowledge

    TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

    $60 - Full

    $45 - Concession card and students

    $20 - Mob tickets (First Nations)

    Buy tickets

EOI for Ignite! Program