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Audition for one of Australia’s most experienced and respected in-school theatre companies. A unique opportunity to make a difference to the lives of students through theatre, with full-time paid contracts for early career actors in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Why audition
for Brainstorm?

We have over 43 years experience in the industry, performing live theatre to over 200,000 primary and high school students each year. Our shows help schools create safer and more positive environments for their students, addressing issues such as bullying, cyber safety, resilience, mental health and respectful relationships. Each show is developed by our passionate team of creatives, teachers and a clinical psychologist, and scripts are constantly updated to ensure content is relevant and challenging for our audiences.

We are dedicated to nurturing a positive environment where actors feel valued and supported in all aspects of their work. Our actors have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of children and young people in a meaningful way, while building their skills, confidence and experience as professional performers.

Interested actors are encouraged to read our school reviews and learn more about our current shows for primary schools and high schools. 

“Working with Brainstorm Productions taught me countless invaluable skills that I still carry today into every audition, rehearsal and performance. Everyone on the team creates such a loving and caring work environment, and the whole experience constantly reminded me why I fell in love with acting. Working with Brainstorm straight out of Uni was the best crash course I could ever ask for. There is no better acting teacher than high school students who want to be educated, without feeling lectured or pandered to. Brainstorm teaches you the importance of being show fit, as well as the ability to continuously discover new things, even after one hundred performances! I am so thankful for my time with Brainstorm.”
Daniel Hillman
"Working with Brainstorm was my first full time professional acting gig. They gave me the space to grow as an actor and work on my craft, while also providing the care and support for me to grow as a person. I gained a myriad of performing and interpersonal skills from my time with Brainstorm that I still use today. For newly emerging actors, auditioning is a must! I could not recommend it more."
Raphael Tefera
"Brainstorm was an amazing experience that allowed me to elevate my abilities as an actor and get an understanding of what it’s like to work professionally as an actor! I loved every bit of it and would highly recommend working with them!”
Mitchell Lee
“When I was in my early 20s I worked for Brainstorm Productions touring and bringing issues based theatre to schools. I collected some lifelong friends in that job and in my almost 20 year career I have never worked for a company that treated me as well as these guys. Couldn’t recommend this job enough to young actors and couldn’t recommend this company enough to teachers looking for quality theatre for young people.”
Kate Skinner
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brainstorm Productions as both an employee and performer, and it was an amazing experience. The team are incredibly supportive, fostering an environment where you feel valued and empowered to do your best work. From rehearsals to live performances, there’s a clear sense of purpose and care that goes into every aspect of what they do. Not only do they provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed, but they also encourage growth, creativity, and connection. It was so rewarding to be part of a company that makes a real difference through impactful theatre. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and couldn’t recommend Brainstorm Productions highly enough."
Caitlin Wood
“Brainstorm was like no other experience. It was my first acting job outside of university and it’s where I established my craft, gained financial independence and forged a unique career path. I (and my family) wouldn’t be where we are today without this organisation and the opportunities it created.”
Brodie Greenhalgh
“I still look back on my time with Brainstorm fondly. Performing to children every day gave me the best opportunity to get my ‘reps up’ and hone my craft. Brainstorm prepared me for a career in the Arts in a way that I don’t think any other job would have, I will always be thankful for Brainstorm and what I learnt in my time with the team.”
Steven Nicholson
“Brainstorm is a rare kind of acting job that allows you to genuinely give back to your audience. The reaction that these shows get is special to witness, and the supportive work environment you'll find yourself in really does make you feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Jasper Bruce
“Brainstorm was my first professional job as an actor and I am still an actor 15 years later. I still have actor mates who worked for Brainstorm and I often meet other Brainstormers on gigs. It's a secret lil network. It really set me up for a career and I learned so many skills that you can't learn from Drama school. The team is so supportive and you get to see so many different parts of the country. It's a no brainstormer (see what i did there)”
Karla Hillam
"I had the pleasure of working with Brainstorm Productions for 2 years. I performed to live audiences every day and I was able to work with some really incredible people. Growing not only creatively and professionally but personally too. The team at Brainstorm are second to none and I knew they had my back at every step of the way. Go audition for them, you won’t regret it.”
Lachlan Stuart
"I look back on my time at brainstorm with such nostalgia. Turning up to the schools with kids cheering and so excited to see you, was such an awesome feeling, we felt like rockstars. Brainstorm started my love for performing to students, which I still do to this day. It was honestly one of the best years of my life."
William Koutsoukis
“The best job ever! It is so fantastic to wake up every single morning and perform for a job. I get to inspire, I get to educate and really change the lives of kids and young people. I can’t express enough how awesome this opportunity has been and why you should audition…You will not regret it!”
Danielle Winsor
“I have had the best time working for Brainstorm Productions! Getting the opportunity to perform on a regular basis while educating young people on important topics like bullying, online safety and wellbeing is such a rewarding experience. You get to see the connections these students make and to think critically about these topics through a fun, engaging performance and discussion. The office team always have your back and are super supportive. I cannot recommend it enough!!"
Alexander Glenk

Pay & conditions

Brainstorm offers full-time paid employment for actors. Actors work in teams of two, performing 1-3 shows per day Monday to Friday during the school term (an average of 10 shows per week). 

Weekly wages when performing are paid above the ‘Live Performance Award’ ($1,543.21 before tax in 2026) and rehearsals are paid at the Award rate. Plus Holiday Pay, Sick Pay, employer’s contribution to Superannuation & Workers Compensation Cover. Company cars are provided.

The majority of the work is in the actors’ base city, with only short periods away from home in some contracts.

Actors also receive a tax-free ‘Living Away from Home Allowance’ ($1,413.21 per week in 2026) whenever the work is away from their base city. In instances when actors are away for extended periods of time (e.g. for rehearsals, the South Australian tour and the Newcastle tour), accommodation is provided by Brainstorm Productions and actors receive a Meals and Incidentals Allowance instead of the Living Away from Home Allowance.

Thorough training and ongoing support is provided to ensure actors are safe, supported, prepared and confident to meet the challenges of the work. This includes child safety, workplace health and safety, mental health and wellbeing, and guidance around positive and respectful working relationships. 

Read on for information about the essential criteria, audition process, contracts/roles and additional FAQs. 

Brainstorm’s head office is located on Bundjalung Land. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which we operate, from Gubbi Gubbi Country in South-East Queensland to the lands of the Kaurna people in South Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the contributions and unique storytelling traditions of the oldest living culture in the world.

Auditions open 1 October 2026

Essential criteria for actors

20+

Must be at least
20 years old

16 - 24

Playing range
of 16-24 years

Current drivers licence and good driving record

(Learners licence not sufficient)

Excited to commit to a full contract & travel away from home

(most of the work will be in your base city, with only some periods away – see contracts below for more details)

Energetic, 
responsible & adaptable

Some singing, physical
theatre and dance experience
an advantage

Child Safe Organiisation Logo

Brainstorm Productions is a
Child Safe Organisation 

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is central to all recruitment decisions. It is an offence under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 and the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 for a person convicted of a serious sex offence or child related personal violence to apply for these positions. 

Before an offer of employment is made, we will require your permission to conduct a Police Check and a mandatory criminal record check for any history of violence or sexual based offences to provide you with a Working With Children Check number. 

How to apply

Auditions will open on 1 October and close on 4 November 2026.

The online application form, monologues and instructions for preparing and submitting your audition video will be available here from 1 Oct 2026.

To apply, you will need to submit the following:

  • A completed online application form;
  • A video of your initial audition;
  • Current CV;
  • Current headshot.

For your audition video you will need to perform one of the monologues provided, sing ‘Happy Birthday’ unaccompanied and tell us briefly why you want to work for Brainstorm Productions and what you think you can bring to the role.

If you are represented by an agent, please discuss the position with them before applying and list their details on your application form. We will contact your agent regarding callbacks and contracts, if applicable, or if we require any further information.

We understand October/November is a busy time for graduating actors. If you are unable to submit a self-tape by the closing date, please email us and attach your CV and headshot. We may be able to arrange an extension in some circumstances.

If you have any further questions about our actor auditions you can contact us at:

auditions@brainstormproductions.edu.au

Auditions will open on 1 October 2026

A link to the application form will be available HERE

About the
callbacks

Once you have submitted your application form, CV, headshot and audition video, we may ask you to attend an in-person callback. If you are required for a callback you will be contacted via email, either directly or through your agent if you are represented. 

Callback dates for our 2027 in-school performances:

  • Brisbane: Monday 9 November 2026
  • Sydney: Thursday 12 November 2026
  • Melbourne: Friday 13 November 2026

If you are not able to attend a callback on one of these dates please let us know on your application form. While we always prefer to see actors in person, we may be able to arrange an online callback in some circumstances.

2027 Contracts & roles for Actors

Below is a list of all roles for 2027 with an overview of each contract.

Please note:

  • ‘Brisbane’ refers to Brisbane/Meanjin & surrounds (i.e. occasional weeks away in Toowoomba, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast)
  • ‘Melbourne’ refers to Melbourne/Naarm & surrounds (i.e. occasional nights away in Geelong or Mornington Peninsula)
  • ‘Sydney’ refers to Sydney/Gadigal & surrounds (includes Campbelltown, Blue Mountains & Central Coast)
  • ‘North Coast NSW’ refers to the Far North Coast of NSW/Bundjalung Country, from Lismore to Tweed Heads.
  • All holidays are in the actor’s base city.
  • ‘Male role’ means you will be playing predominantly male-identifying characters. ‘Female role’ means you will be playing predominantly female-identifying characters. Gender-diverse actors can specify in their application form which role/s they wish to be considered for.

Click the arrows below to view the details of each 2027 contract.

1 ‘female role’ & 1 ‘male role’

Shows: ‘Verbal Combat’ and ‘The Protectors’

Dates: 4 January to 27 August 2027 (with possible extension based on demand), plus 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to the contract start date.

Overview:

  • 3 weeks rehearsal on Far North Coast NSW (near Byron Bay), accommodation provided;
  • Term 1: 10 weeks in Brisbane;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Brisbane (includes Easter);
  • Term 2: 10 weeks in Brisbane and 1 week on Far North Coast NSW;
  • 1 week holiday in Brisbane;
  • Term 3: 7 weeks in Brisbane and MAYBE 1 more week on Far North Coast NSW depending on demand;
  • Possible extension in Brisbane after that based on demand;
  • Please note that actors will be required to work on the Brisbane Show Day Public Holiday (11 August 2027). All other QLD public holidays, actors will not be required to work.

1 ‘female role’ & 1 ‘male role’

Shows: ‘The Hurting Game’ and ‘The Human Race’

Dates: 4 January to 24 September 2027 plus 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to the contract start date.

Overview:

  • 3 weeks rehearsal on Far North Coast NSW (near Byron Bay), accommodation provided;
  • 2 days to drive to Melbourne;
  • Term 1: 8.5 weeks in Melbourne;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Melbourne (includes Easter);
  • Term 2: 11 weeks in Melbourne;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Melbourne;
  • Term 3: 6 or 7 weeks in Melbourne and 4 or 5 weeks in Adelaide;
  • Please note that actors will be required to work on Grand Final Day (24 September 2027). All other VIC public holidays, actors will not be required to work.

1 ‘female role’ & 1 ‘male role’

Shows: ‘The Hurting Game’ and ‘The Human Race’

Dates: 17 March to 5 November 2026 (with very likely extension to end November or early December based on demand), plus 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to the contract start date.

Overview:

  • 3 weeks rehearsal on Far North Coast NSW (near Byron Bay), accommodation provided;
  • 2 days to drive to Melbourne;
  • Term 2: 9-10 weeks in Melbourne and 1-2 weeks in Regional VIC (Gippsland);
  • 2 weeks holiday in Melbourne;
  • Term 3: 9 weeks in Melbourne and 1 week in regional Vic (Ballarat area);
  • 2 weeks holiday in Melbourne (includes Grand Final Day);
  • Term 4: 5 weeks in Melbourne plus very likely 4 or 5 week extension in Melbourne based on demand;
  • Please note that actors will be required to work on Easter Monday (29 March 2027) and MAY be required to work on Melbourne Cup Day (2 November 2027). All other VIC public holidays, actors will not be required to work.

1 ‘female role’ & 1 ‘male role’

Shows: ‘Cyberia’ and ‘Buddies’

Dates: 25 January to 27 August 2027 (with possible extension based on demand), plus 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to the contract start date.

Overview:

  • 3 weeks rehearsal on Far North Coast NSW (near Byron Bay), accommodation provided;
  • Term 1: 8 weeks in Sydney;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Sydney
  • Term 2: 10 weeks in Sydney;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Sydney;
  • Term 3: 6 weeks in Newcastle/Central Coast (accommodation provided ), plus possible extension based on demand;
  • Please note that actors will be required to work on the ‘Australia Day’ public holiday (26 January 2027). All other NSW public holidays, actors will not be required to work.

1 ‘female role’ & 1 ‘male role’

Shows: ‘Cyberia’ and ‘Buddies’

Dates: 29 April to 5 November 2027 (with very likely extension further into November based on demand), plus 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to the contract start date.

Overview:

  • 3 weeks rehearsal on Far North Coast NSW (near Byron Bay), accommodation provided;
  • Term 2: 6 weeks in Sydney;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Sydney;
  • Term 3: 10 weeks in Sydney;
  • 2 weeks holiday in Sydney (includes Labour Day);
  • Term 4: 4 weeks in Sydney, plus very likely extension in Sydney based on demand;
  • All NSW public holidays, actors will not be required to work.

Brainstorm Productions is Committed to Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy equal employment opportunity.  This means that employees are treated fairly and equally when employment decisions are made and that unlawful discrimination does not take place.

We aim to recruit a diverse range of actors for our in-school performances. First Nations actors and actors with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

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We look forward to meeting you!

FAQ

Yes, it is a full time job, Monday to Friday, for the length of your contract (excluding holidays).

Please see the list of roles above for the dates and length of each contract.

Most contracts start in early or late January but some do start later in the year (see list of roles for specific start dates).

Rehearsals are 3 weeks, Monday to Friday on the Far North Coast of NSW (near Byron Bay). Rehearsals are paid at award rates, and meal allowance and accommodation is provided. Most contracts also require you to do 2-5 days of pre-rehearsal work prior to these 3 weeks (e.g. a few days of training and choreography in your base city a few weeks prior to the rehearsals on the NSW Far North Coast). The pre-rehearsal dates will be arranged once the roles have been cast.

All shows are two-handers.

The sets are very minimal and fit in the back of a Toyota Rav 4. There are no ‘tour managers’ – actors are required to set up themselves at each school.

You do 1, 2 or 3 shows per day Monday to Friday in schools (an average of about 10 shows per week).

Weekly wages are paid above the ‘Live Performance Award’.  Actors also receive a tax-free Living Away from Home Allowance whenever the work is away from their base city.  Also included is Holiday Pay, Sick Pay, employer’s contribution to Superannuation, and Workers Compensation Cover.

When actors are away for rehearsals, and when touring in South Australia and the Newcastle region, accommodation is provided by Brainstorm Productions and actors receive a Meals and Incidentals Allowance instead of the Living Away from Home Allowance.

We will consider you for all roles based in the city you reside in (Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane), unless you ask to be considered in more than one location. If you wish to be considered for a role in another city, please specify on your application form (e.g. if you are currently residing in Brisbane, but wish to be considered for a job in Sydney and/or Melbourne).

No, an automatic, air-conditioned company vehicle is provided for each team, including fuel and running costs.

You MUST have a current drivers licence and a good driving record (L-Plates are not acceptable). If you are offered employment with Brainstorm Productions you will be asked to provide a copy of your driving record from Service NSW, VIC Roads or QLD Roads  (depending on which state/s you have held a drivers licence in).

You must be fit, healthy and prepared to be away from home for short periods of time. However, some tours require more time away from home than others – please see the list of roles for an overview of each contract.

No, our tours are mostly based within the actors’ home cities and surrounds, with only some periods away from home (e.g. a few weeks in regional areas).

One Melbourne-based contract includes a period in Adelaide and one Sydney-based contract includes a period in the Newcastle region.

Please see the list of roles above for more information about each contract.

You will be notified by phone or email if you have been cast or if you are unsuccessful. If you are represented by an agent, we will notify you through them.

We appreciate the time and energy that goes into auditioning and we will notify you as soon as possible.