“Arts on Tour's touring workshop was an invaluable introduction to touring, providing a wealth of insights into the development of a successful tour.” – Previous Participant

Want to learn more about touring? Arts on Tour presents a jam-packed full-day workshop each year that introduces the essentials to getting your show out there. 

Tour Lab 2025 will be held on Thursday 6 November at East Sydney Community & Arts Centre (ESCAC), Darlinghurst.

Tour Lab provides practical advice, information and resources, as well as networking opportunities for independent artists, producers, and companies who are new to touring.

This year, we’ve collaborated with Sydney Fringe to focus on work by independent artists. Our program includes experienced touring artists, some of Sydney’s best producers, and venue managers. We’ll cover a range of topics including identifying opportunities for your show, budgeting, selling your show to presenters, and touring logistics.

Tickets are $55 each or 'Pay What You Can', and include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The event is followed by networking and an opportunity to continue the conversations started during the day.

Book your ticket

“A valuable resource for any artist who tours, and a great opportunity to make contacts, and expand your knowledge.”

2025 Program

Session 1: What Next?
You have a successful show, congrats! What’s next? Hear from Arts on Tour and Sydney Fringe about exploring opportunities for your show, and powerhouse producer Kate Gaul (Siren Theatre Co.) about making it happen.

Facilitator: Aroha Pehi (Bangarra Dance Theatre & Moogahlin Performing Arts);
Speakers: Kate Gaul (Siren Theatre Co.), Antonia Seymour (Arts on Tour), Rowan Brunt (Sydney Fringe)

Session 2: Budgets
What does it cost to get a show out there, and can you *actually* make money? Join legendary producers Simone Parrott (Belvoir) and Jo Dyer (Soft Tread) and learn everything you need to know about creating a financially viable tour. 

Speakers: Simone Parrott (Belvoir), Jo Dyer (Soft Tread)

Session 3: Delivery Mode
Shift gears into delivery mode and prepare to hit the road. Hear from producers and artists about what to expect, venue presenters about what they need from you, and touring crew about rocking up and getting the show on. 

Speakers: Cally Bartley (Touring Stage Manager), Abbie-Lee Lewis (Artist), Sean Moloney (The Pavilion PAC, Sutherland), Madelaine Osborn (Touring Stage Manager), Penny Watts (Merrigong Theatre Company), and Sandi Woo (Contemporary Asian Australian Performance - CAAP)

Meet the speakers

Photography Credit: Noni Carroll - Tour Lab 2024.