The Joan and Betty Rayner Development Initiative is a biennial opportunity supporting the creation and development of new Australian theatre works for primary-aged children (Foundation–Year 6) in Victorian government schools.

Reimagined from the previous Fellowship and Commission, this initiative continues the proud legacy of Joan and Betty Rayner by providing up to $60,000 over two years for artists or theatre companies to develop their practice and create an inspiring new work for young audiences.

The Development Initiative champions creativity, professional growth, and meaningful engagement with children through the performing arts, ensuring the next generation of audiences experience theatre that is vibrant, thoughtful, and uniquely Australian.

Presented by the Trustees of the Australian Children's Theatre Foundation in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria, the initiative is awarded biennially to an artist or theatre company ready to push their practice forward and make a meaningful contribution to the children's theatre sector.

Meet the 2026 Joan and Betty Rayner Development Initiative Recipient

The Australian Children's Theatre Foundation is proud to announce that Born In A Taxi is the recipient of the 2026 Joan and Betty Rayner Development Initiative for their work, KNOCK KNOCK.

Through KNOCK KNOCK, Born In A Taxi invites young people to take a risk, step into the unknown, and discover that on the other side of every door is story, friendship, and the power of their own imagination.

One mysterious door on stage. A million possibilities behind it. Notes slide under the door. Paper aeroplanes fly into the audience. Riddles, clues, dares. Gradually, children are drawn in, stepping through into an unknown world that unfolds differently every time — a joyful, unpredictable adventure built live from their own curiosity and courage.

What happens when opportunity knocks?

The ACTF are proud to support Born In A Taxi's exploration and development of this work over the next two years. KNOCK KNOCK is a delightful and highly theatrical concept that builds confidently on their existing practice, with a clear ambition to push participatory theatre into new territory and make a meaningful contribution to the children's theatre sector.

Let the journey begin!

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Previously delivered as two separate programs, the ACTF Fellowship and ACTF Commission, these initiatives were merged in 2025 to form the Joan and Betty Rayner Development Initiative, streamlining support for artists and companies working in children’s theatre.

PREVIOUS JOAN AND BETTY RAYNER ACTF COMMISSION RECIPIENTS

• 2023 | Lab Kelpie, Reasons to To Be Invisible
  Lab Kelpie developed Reasons To Be Invisible, a new Australian play for children by playwright Katy Warner, exploring themes of friendship, courage and adventure.

• 2021 | Ardna by Aseel Tayah and Jason Tamiru
  Ardna explored cultural connection to land, community and shared responsibility through storytelling and movement for young audiences.

PREVIOUS JOAN AND BETTY RAYNER FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS

• 2020 | Holly Austin  

  Holly undertook international professional development in Tokyo and Edinburgh, expanding her practice and global networks in children’s theatre.

• 2022 | Junkyard Beats  

  Junkyard Beats undertook professional development across performance and movement, strengthening their practice for young audiences.

• 2024 | Michelle Heaven
  Michelle is a regionally based choreographer and movement-based performance artist, director, movement teacher and puppeteer.