“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 TOUR LAB, a jam-packed full-day workshop that introduces the essentials to getting your show out there.

Tour Lab 2026 will be held on Thursday 29 October at ESCAC, Darlinghurst from 10am to 4:30pm. Tickets are on sale now - book here.

The in-person event provides practical advice, information and resources, as well as networking opportunities for independent artists, producers, and companies who are new to touring. We cover a range of topics including identifying opportunities for your show, budgeting, selling your show to presenters, and touring logistics. See below for the full program we have planned for you.

Tickets 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.”

2026 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 about making it happen. 

Session 1A: A conversation between Arts on Tour and Sydney Fringe
Speakers: Antonia Seymour (Arts on Tour), Kate Marks (Sydney Fringe)
Key topics:
• Understand the different networks (e.g. Fringe circuits, small halls and regional, NSW venues, metro/majors)
• Know where you fit, and where to look for opportunities
• What makes a show suitable for touring?

Session 1B: What Next – Tour Producer Toolkit
Speaker: Kate Gaul (Siren Theatre Co)
Key topics:
• What does a tour producer do? 
• Who do you talk to and how do start that conversation?
• How do you sell someone a show? 

SESSION 2: AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Audiences are not just bums on seats. Who is your audience, and what do you have to offer them? Get the low down from both a presenter and a producer about finding and engaging your market. 

Speakers: Jordan Best (Echo Theatre/Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre), Bec Washington (Glasshouse, Port Macquarie)

Key topics:
• Finding the audience for your show
• What drives programming decisions for presenters?
• Case study: Echo Theatre's recent tour of Bombshells in Port Macquarie

SESSION 3: BUDGETS & GRANTS
What does it cost to get a show out there, and can you *actually* make money? Join legendary producer Andrew Threlfall (CDP) and Creative Business Coach Cat Dibley to learn everything you need to know about creating a financially viable tour.

Key topics:
• What are the costs of getting a show out, and where does that money come from?
• How do you work with different scales of budget and sell off models
• Demystifying Grants and Funding applications

Speakers: Cat Dibley (Creative Business Coach), Andrew Threlfall (CDP)

SESSION 4: MAKING IT HAPPEN
Shift gears into delivery mode and prepare to hit the road. Hear from an experienced producer about building the tour and a touring stage/production manager about rocking up and getting the show on.

Key topics:
• Putting together the tour itinerary puzzle
• What happens when you get into a venue?
• How do you look after the people on the road? 

Speakers: Cally Bartley (Tour Stage/Production Manager), Stephanie Tatzenko (Legs On The Wall)

Meet the Speakers!

Photography Credit: Noni Carroll - Tour Lab 2024.