The Trustees of the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation, in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria, are delighted to launch the 2026 Joan and Betty Rayner Development Initiative.
This 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.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 1 DECEMBER 2025
For more information contact:
Stephanie Clark
Manager, Creative Learning
[email protected]
1300 882 531
Development Showing of 2023 ACTF Commission Recipient Reasons To Be Invisible by Katy Warner at Daylesford Town Hall - image by Lab Kelpie.
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.