The Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) launches its first program under the newly appointed Artistic Director Hayden Tonazzi. Unveiling its 2026 Program today, it marks a bold new era with a spotlight on rising young talent, a new performance space, a return to the Sydney Opera House and a major national tour.
Headlining the season is Saplings, the breakout hit of Sydney Festival 2024 and winner of Best Production for Young People at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Written by Yuwaalaraay playwright Hannah Belanszky and directed by Kalkadoon artist Abbie-lee Lewis, Saplings marks ATYP’s first return to the Sydney Opera House in 17 years (11–17 May 2026) before embarking on the largest national tour in the company’s history, visiting five states and territories, including Arts Centre Melbourne.
In 2026, Saplings will also be added to the Victorian Schools Drama Syllabus, introducing thousands of students to its themes of resilience, humour and hope.
“ATYP has always been a bridge between: young people and the professional stage, local voices and national conversations,” said Hayden Tonazzi.
“2026 is an exciting time for ATYP with a new performance space for emerging artists and an expanded program to support the next generation of Australian storytellers.”
Highlights of the 2026 Program are:
- 15 emerging artists – actors, directors, writers and designers featured across four major productions
- A new creative hub, The Popsy, within ATYP’s Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, premiering The Last Train To Madeline by Callum Mackay, and Straight Panic by Lachlan Parry,
- An adaptation of the hit musical Islander, showcasing the energy and innovation of ATYP’s next wave of creatives.
“The 2026 program reflects ATYP’s renewed purpose in connecting the creativity of young Australians with audiences across the country. We’re proud to invest in a company that continues to evolve, to open doors, and to champion the voices that will shape the cultural future of our nation.” – Andrew Johnson, Chair, Australian Theatre for Young People
ATYP is supported by Creative Australia, the NSW Government Create NSW, and the Neilson Foundation.
ABOUT ATYP
The Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) is Australia’s national youth theatre company. For over sixty years, ATYP has launched the careers of hundreds of artists and created pathways for young Australians to see themselves reflected on stage. Based at The Rebel Theatre on Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay, ATYP develops and presents new work, tours nationally, and delivers artist development and education programs that connect young creatives across the country.
ABOUT SAPLINGS
Opens 13 May 2026, Sydney Opera House
Would you risk breaking bail for a packet of Mi Goreng? Would you snitch on a mate to save your own skin? Around here, ordinary days can turn on you so fast you’ve still got a smile on your face as your hopes die in your hands.
After premiering for the Sydney Festival in 2024 and winning the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People, Yuwaalaraay playwright Hannah Belanszky and Kalkadoon director Abbie-lee Lewis bring ‘Saplings’ back to the stage. This production raises an important question: how do young people grow when the system keeps cutting them down?
ABOUT THE LAST TRAIN TO MADELINE
11 – 21 March 2026
A sweltering small-town summer in Wangaratta. Eight-year-olds Maddy and Luke first meet. Maddy is convinced of two things: her mum is a famous rockstar and if she travels the world for long enough, she’ll eventually find her.
Follow Maddy and Luke from eight, to seventeen, to twenty-three years old as they reminisce and dream about what once was, what could one day be, and all the confusing and painful stuff in between.
The Last Train to Madeline showcases six performers aged ten to twenty-six and will be the premiere production in ATYP’s new performance space – The Popsy.
ABOUT STRAIGHT PANIC
24 June – 4 July 2026
The frazzled staff of Myer George St anticipate an ill-timed visit from their Regional Manager. A particularly fraught annual gathering for The McLaren Family Olympics takes place without their patriarch, who is otherwise indisposed. And three befuddled boys on Cronulla Beach, in December 2005, question…everything.
Lachlan Parry puts the hysterical in hysterical in this frenzied and biting comedy — a triptych of silliness and satire. If you think it’s the gays who are prone to histrionics, you might want to think again.
ABOUT ISLANDER
21 September – 03 October 2026
Eilid lives on an island. Adrift and with one eye on the horizon, she is aimless. It seems every day someone is leaving for the mainland, even her own mother. Then a whale washes up on the shore, followed soon after by a mysterious young girl…
Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life. Community meetings smash against mythic folklore as two friends from different worlds learn how an ancient fracture can lead to a new future, together.
Originated in Scotland, and recontextualized by ATYP, this worldwide smash-hit washes up to Pier 2/3 and takes over The Popsy.
