Riverside Theatres presents, Schools’ Short Play Competition!

Now in its tenth year, Sharp Short Theatre is a chance for young writers, directors and performers to showcase their stories on Riverside’s stage and learn from industry mentors.

All entries perform in a heat. The best pieces are invited to perform in the final where students are awarded prizes in categories including best script, best direction, best performance and best overall production. Plays come from all theatrical genres including comedy, documentary, suspense, period, drama and fantasy, giving students a chance to play to their strengths and interests and let their imaginations run wild!

Come and support our budding future stars as they perform live on stage!

Entries must be written and directed by students (18 years and under) and can be up to a maximum of 10 minutes in duration. Entries must be submitted by a producer, for example, a parent, teacher or responsible adult.

Prizes are designed to help further develop the winner’s talents and are from some of the best theatre companies in Australia. Previous prizes have included opportunities from Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta, Australian Theatre for Young People, Belvoir, Currency Press, Playwave, Shopfront Arts Coop, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Theatre Company.

Important Dates

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN EXTENDED!

Click here to Register 
Entries Close: 11 April 2025 25 April 2025

Riverside Heat & Final Dates

Heat 1 – Monday 26 May
Heat 2 – Tuesday 27 May
Heat 3 – Wednesday 28 May
Heat 4 – Thursday 29 May
Heat 5 – Friday 30 May

Final – Friday 6 June

Buy 4 or more & SAVE from $12

Save $3 per ticket when you buy 4 or more tickets*

*Valid when purchasing 4 or more tickets in one transaction. Must select “Group of 4+” after selecting your seats via the drop-down menus under the seating map. Subject to availability. Advertised savings based on the full-price A-Reserve ticket. Not valid for previously purchased tickets. Transaction fee applies.

Education Bookings & Resources

SUITABLE FOR YEARS 3 – 12
(Stages 2 – 6)
PARTICIPANTS/GROUP REGISTRATION FEE

$70 per entry

Curriculum Links and Resources
Download Sharp Short Theatre Curriculum Links

Online Education Bookings
1 teacher free for every 20 students booked.

To reserve your booking, select the ‘Education Enquiries’ button and confirm the number of tickets, prices and contact details. Please note you will not be asked to pay for your booking at this stage.

You’ll receive a booking invoice of a 25% non-refundable deposit with a ‘payment due’ date. It is your responsibility to forward the tax invoice to your Financial Officer for payment by the due date.

For more details about How to Book, Excursion & Accessibility For Education

Accessibility

In English

Wheelchair accessible

Companion Card accepted

Assistive Hearing system available (FM)

Find out more about accessibility at Riverside Theatres

Additional Ticketing Information

$6.95 Transaction Fee applies.

The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions