One of Australia’s most prestigious theatre awards is preparing to unearth bold and captivating new work with submissions now open for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2026 (QPDA). The biennial award program returns for its 13th iteration with an ambitious and innovative approach to discovering and sharing new Australian stories with national audiences.
Since 2002, Queensland Theatre, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has celebrated and supported outstanding playwrights, helping them develop new work and bring their productions to wider audiences through the Awards.
For the first time, the QPDA 2026 has expanded its eligibility criteria. It now invites not only playwrights from across Australia, but also theatre makers, collectives, and companies to collaborate with Queensland Theatre to create an exceptional piece of theatre.
Entrants are not required to submit a completed script. Just submit a compelling concept or an audacious idea for a theatre work. Three finalists will be selected to participate in an 18-month development process. This includes a week-long, regionally based residency.
In mid-2026, the finalists’ developed works will be presented in a public reading. An esteemed judging panel with strong ties to Queensland will select the award winner.
The winning submission will be developed and staged as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2027 Season. QT’s Artistic Director, Daniel Evans, won the QPDA in 2015 with Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
The winning playwright will also receive a cash prize of $30,000, with prize contribution by Griffith University. They will also get a full commission fee and box office royalties from its Queensland Theatre season.
The QPDA 2024 winner, Malacañang Made Us by Jordan Shea, makes its world premiere at Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Theatre on Saturday 18 October 2025.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland Theatre and the QPDA provided unique opportunities for playwrights to develop new works and share their stories with Queensland audiences.
“Storytellers and artists are central to Queensland’s cultural vibrancy and our creative economy. They provide communities across the state with exceptional arts experiences.
The Crisafulli Government’s investment in Queensland Theatre and the QPDA supports artists to sustain their careers. It strengthens the state’s reputation as a leading cultural destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Daniel Evans said the QPDA remained the only national playwriting award that guarantees a world premiere production as part of a major performing arts company’s mainstage season.
“More than an award, the QPDA is a launchpad. It’s a celebration of daring storytelling and a commitment to putting powerful Australian stories centre stage. Queensland Theatre is driven to craft exceptional, unforgettable theatre and champion new Australian voices. We know first-hand the power that a compelling story – and a platform to share it – can have.
This is one of the most prestigious awards for theatre in Australia. The creativity, imagination and vision it inspires is exhilarating every single time. The QPDA holds a deeply personal place in my heart. I know just how transformative this opportunity can be and I’m excited to see where the next great story will come from.”
Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) and Assistant Vice Chancellor (Cultural Curation and Community Partnerships), Professor Scott Harrison, said Griffith University was delighted to once again support the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award.
“From what began with a production sponsorship with Queensland Theatre more than 20 years ago, we’re proud to play a role in seeing so many incredible productions and emerging talent realised. We recognise that the continuation of live theatre in Queensland is vital.”
Entries for the QPDA are now open. Submissions close on Wednesday 1 October 2025. For more information, visit the link below.
Information: https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/queensland-premiers-drama-award
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qld_theatre/
Hero image: Steve Pirie in Return To The Dirt by Steve Pirie, QPDA Winner 2020. Photo by Brett Boardman.
The Queensland Premier’s Drama Award is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Queensland Theatre. Prize contribution by Griffith University.
