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Centre Stage Residency

The Centre Stage Residencies are presented in collaboration with Adelaide Fringe as part of their Arts Industry Collaborations program.

This unique incubator program is for South Australian artists to progress a new performance work in its second or third stage of development to the next level, culminating in a season at The Mill as part of the 2027 Adelaide Fringe Festival.

We are offering 2 x 4-week Centre Stage Residencies this year.

Residencies are split into 2 x 2-week blocks. The first 2-week block will occur in 2026 followed by a work-in-progress showing at The Mill - to test ideas with audiences and develop an audience following.

The second 2-week block will occur in 2027 - to prepare the work for presentation in the 2027 Adelaide Fringe Season at The Mill.

We are most interested in theatre, comedy, physical theatre, cabaret - suitable for our small black box theatre in its 50-seat small stage set up - and dance is also possible for a small stage.

Support

Between The Mill and Adelaide Fringe, the successful recipients will receive:

  • Artist honorarium $6,000 + 12% superannuation ($720) will be provided, to be used for artist/s wages and development costs

  • Fringe registration costs covered

  • 4 weeks venue hire (2 x 2-week blocks in The Breakout at The Mill) see venue specs

  • A work-in-progress showing presented by The Mill at the conclusion of the first 2-week block

  • Production of a professional-quality showreel/video promotional material, created from footage of the first showing and one additional filming session provided by The Mill

  • Professional photography at the conclusion of the first development

  • A 10-show season at The Mill during Adelaide Fringe 2027

  • FOH, venue and technical staff for Adelaide Fringe 2027

  • 100% box office from Adelaide Fringe 2027 season at The Mill to the artist

  • Production, admin and marketing support for the residency and Fringe season from The Mill

  • Contribution towards documentation or design for Adelaide Fringe season promotion/posters/flyers with support from The Mill’s Marketing and Development Manager

  • Promotion of the Arts Industry Collaborations program through the Adelaide Fringe website and social media channels

  • Direct contact with the Artist and Venue team. 1:1 in person, or online, meetings with the Arts Industry Collaborations project coordinator to provide advice and support in the lead up to the 2027 Adelaide Fringe season

  • Engagement in the Honey Pot Arts Industry Marketplace Program

  • Engagement in the Adelaide Fringe Professional Development series 

  • Provision of the 2027 Adelaide Fringe Fund Branding Pack

  • A dedicated meeting between The Fringe Marketing team and The Mill Marketing team with the 2 selected Centre Stage Residency artists

    Please note: 

  • With this significant support and funding, artists are still responsible for self producing their work

  • Residency recipients are required to register their show as part of the 2027 Adelaide Fringe program, registration costs will be covered by The Mill’s Create SA project funding

  • We recommend applying for a Fringe Grant to top up your artist fees and development costs

Key dates

Applications open: June 3, 2026, at 9:30am

Applications close: July 20, 2026, at 9:30am

Applicants to be notified of outcome: Week of July 27, 2026

2-week development residency and work-in-progress showing in The Breakout at The Mill: November/December, 2026 

2-week development residency in The Breakout at The Mill: January/February, 2027 

Fringe season at The Mill: February 19 – March 21, 2027

For any questions regarding The Mill Centre Stage Residency please contact The Mill CEO/Artistic Director or The Mill General Manager.

For questions regarding presenting in Adelaide Fringe 2027 and Fringe show registration, please contact artists@adelaidefringe.com.au


2025 Recipients

Past Recipients + Showings