Previously Open Submissions
Applications for Development Submissions will open late in 2025.
This stream is for music theatre creatives who have a project that they would like our Hayes Creative advisory panel to consider for support and/or funding from Hayes Theatre Co.
Submissions for this stream may consist of an extended excerpt with demo tracks, a full draft, and/or a collection of songs. These projects may have already had a developmental showing, but not a full production.
All submissions will be assessed following the closing date, and the Hayes team will inform all applicants of the outcome of their submission within two months.
Our advisory panel and Artistic Directors will select some projects for targeted assistance. This may include:
- Mentorship
- Advice on potential creative pairings
- Seed funding paid to the artist/s, to be used for further development
- A workshop/development with a director, cast and musician/s
Please note that if your musical involves or references cultures other than your own, you must engage, or have plans to engage, in an appropriate level of cultural consultation and/or collaboration.
Applications for Development Submissions are not provided with any feedback. If you are looking for feedback on your new work, please apply for our Feedback Submissions stream.
FAQ's
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What are the key dates?
Submissions Open Monday 28th June
Submissions Close Wednesday 3rd September
Feedback TBC (2 months after submission close)
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When will I know the outcome of my submission?
Reviewing material for new works does take time, especially as our panel is made up of working industry professionals. After applications have closed, the advisory panel will begin the process of reviewing all of the submissions, and you will receive an answer within two months of the closing date.
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Does my musical have to be developed for production at Hayes?
Whilst we are always looking for projects to develop for presentation at Hayes, we recognise that our theatre may not be the right fit for your vision. Therefore, this is not a necessary factor for submission.
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How many projects are supported?
We typically receive around 60 eligible submissions annually, and generally support between 5-10 with development assistance.
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What sort of projects are you looking for?
We encourage you to submit proposals that have the potential to advance the form of music theatre, and take an original and innovative approach to storytelling. This can be original work, adaptations from other artforms, or experimental works. We are interested in projects that celebrate the diversity of Australian cultural expression.
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Does the project need to be a new work?
Yes, Hayes Creative only supports new Australian music theatre works. This can include adaptations of existing ideas or jukebox musicals – however in this case, you must demonstrate that you have taken steps to obtain the relevant rights to the source material.
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Will I received feedback on my submission?
Applications for Development Submissions will not receive any feedback. If you haev a new work and are looking for feebdack, please apply for our Feedback Submissions stream.
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Will you accept submissions outside of Australia?
No. Hayes Creative is run to support and develop new Australian musicals. However, we will accept submissions from creative teams that are not entirely made up of Australian creatives.
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I have submitted a project in the past. Can I submit it again?
If you can demonstrate that you have taken on feedback from the previous submissions, and there have been significant changes to the project, we will accept the submission again.
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I believe my project is ready to be staged and doesn’t need further development. Am I still eligible?
Before they are considered for programming, all new works produced by Hayes Theatre Co undergo development through Hayes Creative. This may encompass general feedback from our advisory panel, bringing in additional collaborators, a full workshop, and/or other development work as needed.
If you would like to propose an independent, self-produced and funded production of a new or existing work for a place in the Hayes season, please see our 2025 Independent Producer Applications guidelines.