Details and Criteria

Q Theatre is delighted to invite submissions for Q Season Support (QSS) for works presented at Q between July 2027 and June 2028. Our last round saw nine seasons with over 70 performances offered support through QSS. This round combines funds from Creative New Zealand and Auckland Council.

QSS offers support packages valued between $11,000 - $19,000 (depending on number of performances) against venue related costs for companies presenting a season of work at Q. We want to continue to help artists access our venues by partnering in a risk share venture to support longer seasons at Q Theatre. 

The minimum season requirement is three performances in Rangatira, or five performances in Loft. Support is scalable depending on season length with the maximum support available for five (or more) performances in Rangatira, and ten (or more) performances in Loft. See financial details below.  

QSS supports venue hire, Q crew and Q equipment (limited inclusions, see example financial template models for details), and includes modest marketing support for selected works. The participating companies are responsible for fully presenting and marketing their own work. Subject to availability, Q may be able to offer further support with rehearsal space.    

This opportunity is best suited to artists and companies with a proven track record and the ability and history of attracting an audience.  


Submission Timeline

  • Tuesday 24th November 2026 – 5pm, Online Q&A via Google Meet REGISTER HERE
  • Tuesday 1 December 2026 – opens 10am 
  • Sunday 31 January 2027 – closes 10pm
  • Friday 26 February 2027 – notification on status of application 

We strongly encourage early submission.


 

Assessment Criteria

  • Strength and presentation of idea 
  • Content and strength of application along with supporting documents  
  • Capability and experience within creative, producing and production teams 
  • Previous track record of the producer / artists, as well as the work in submission 
  • Proven track record of successful ticket sales 
  • Marketing and sales strategy, budget, and timeline
  • Scale of work in submission and number of creatives/artists involved. (for example, a reduction of support may be considered for smaller creative teams, and consideration will be given to the number of performers on stage).

Requirements and Financial Details (scaled according to number of performances) 

Rangatira (338 – 470 seats depending on venue configuration)

  • Minimum 3 days hire and 3 performances
  • Support towards venue hire, crew, equipment and marketing is scaled from $13,000 for 3 performance dates to a maximum of $19,000 for 5 performance dates.  
  • Box Office Split
    • 80% of net box office to Artist
    • 20% of net box office to Q Theatre 

Loft (117 - 180 seats depending on venue configuration)

  • Minimum 5 days hire and 5 performances 
  • Support towards venue hire, crew, equipment and marketing is scaled from $11,000 for 5 performance dates to a maximum of $19,000 for 10 performance dates.  
  • Box Office Split
    • 80% of net box office to Artist
    • 20% of net box office to Q Theatre 

Summary of Financial Offer

  • Q Season support is scaled between $11,000 - $19,000 (maximum amount will only be considered for 10+ performance dates in Loft and 5+ performance dates in Rangatira) 
  • The marketing support included in QSS is managed by Q theatre, in support of production’s own marketing campaign 
  • Total maximum value of Q Support: $19,000 (ex GST) 
  • Box Office Split
    • 80% of net box office to Artist
    • 20% of net box office to Q Theatre 

You will need to upload the following docs as part of your submission: 

  • Sales and marketing strategy 
  • Production budget including details of secured or unsecured funding 
  • Venue Production Schedule 
  • Technical Rider / Specifications 

Rate Card and Venue Specifications

Rangatira:
3 Show Model
5 Show Model
Rangatira Venue Specifications

Loft:
5 Show Model
10 Show Model
Loft Venue Specifications

Rate Cards Rangatira & Loft

Applications Open Mon 1 Dec

Who is this support aimed at?
Producers and companies with a track record of success and proven track record of achieving successful ticket sales. The intention is that QSS supports artists who do not receive recurrent long-term funding.
What type of works will Q be looking for?
Any genre considered and preferably already proven works rather than newly devised works.
What is the minimum length of the season?
Minimum 3 days/3 performances in Rangatira or 5 days/5 performances in Loft
What is the maximum support available?
To reach the maximum $19,000 of support, the season needs to be at least 10 days with 10 performances in Loft, or 5 days with 5 performances in Rangatira, and have more than two artists on stage. See financial costing templates for details.
How much will it cost to put a show on at Q?
The example template cost estimates provided include Pack In, Plotting and Technical Rehearsal time as well as limited venue crew to a modelled schedule. It is designed to help you prepare a budget. We understand that your production may have different needs regarding schedule, crew and equipment. We are also providing Venue and Staffing rate cards to help you budget. 
What should I charge for tickets?
A range of ticket/seat prices exist at Q depending on the production, the company presenting the work and the venue. Pricing typically ranges from $35 - $89. Often there are different categories to consider – A Reserve, B Reserve, Concession, Premium/VIP
How will Q Theatre assess my submission?
We will look at the strength of the idea, availability of the venue against your dates, track record of the company or artist, and the potential of the production to attract an audience.
What if my season is dependent on other unconfirmed funding?
Let us know the details including the date the funding outcome is due. If successful in your QSS application, season dates will be held as a pencil until all funding is confirmed. Season dates may be challenged whilst funding is pending.