This second round is bigger than ever, offering more funding, more Q support, and more opportunity to get works onto the stage thanks to ongoing funding from Auckland Council and significant new investment from Creative New Zealand. Successful applicants will have between $10,000 and $17,000 against venue-related costs for artists presenting work at Q with a minimum season of three days in Rangatira or five days in Loft.
Round One has already delivered postitive results, with the success of Figment Productions’ Captain Morrow and the Sands of Time which ran at Q from 21 October to 8 November 2025. This explosive 60-minute pirate comedy - featuring two actors, one musician and 40 characters, captivated audiences with its relentless pace and inventive storytelling. Captain Morrow’s season closed with sold-out performances, highlighting both the demand for innovative, creative work and the tangible impact of venue support.
“Q's initiative has allowed Figment Productions to create a fantastic show with incredible creatives, that will now be able to tour the country in 2026. Without Q's support, this would not have happened. I am so excited to see what other productions come to life through this wonderful initiative”, says Callum Brodie, Figment Productions.
Three additional works selected in Round One are now progressing with further announcements to come.
With rising costs, reduced discretionary spending, and continued uncertainty across the arts sector, many artists are struggling to take the financial leap required to present new work. Q Theatre developed Q Season Support to directly ease these pressures, offering practical assistance that lowers upfront risk and helps productions present work at Q.
“Artists are telling us how tough it is to commit to a season right now,” says Phil Evans, Head of Progamming and Production. “This programme exists to help them fulfil their potential, open our spaces to more work, and help keep Tāmaki Makaurau’s performing arts ecology vibrant.”
Q Theatre is encouraging proposals from artists and companies with works for presentation in either of its spaces. Projects that are stage ready, touring works gearing up for festivals, and independent productions looking for their first season are all welcome.
The initiative is particularly valuable for independent makers who may have strong ideas but limited resources behind them. Support includes venue hire, crew, marketing support, rehearsal space (subject to availability), and a risk-share model designed to support longer seasons and reduce financial strain. Support scales with season length, with minimum requirements being Rangatira: 3 days / 3 performances, Loft: 5 days / 5 performances.
To avoid the usual funding-round fatigue, the application process is intentionally short? Most applicants can complete this in 10–15 minutes, providing a brief synopsis, company track record, key creatives, and a production budget and marketing strategy. Participating companies remain responsible for the full presentation and marketing of their work, with Q’s contribution focused on lowering the barriers to staging a season.
“We’ve seen how valuable this support can be,” adds Phil Evans. “Round One demonstrated that when financial risk is shared, artists can think bigger, plan more confidently, and put work in front of new audiences creating more opportunity for the artists and companies."
Submission Timeline:
- Monday 1 December 2025 – Opens 10am
- Friday 30 January 2026 – Closes 5pm
- Friday 27 February 2026 – Applicants notified
More information & application: https://www.qtheatre.co.nz/qseasonsupport
For interview and media requests contact:
Michelle Lafferty – michelle@elephantpublicity.co.nz | 027 295 6450
About Q Theatre
Q Theatre is Auckland’s leading contemporary theatre venue, presenting and producing work that challenges, entertains, and inspires. With two versatile performance spaces - Rangatira and Loft - Q provides a platform for local and international artists, supporting innovative storytelling and fostering the growth of Aotearoa’s performing arts sector.
