about the program

What is ‘Stories from the Heart’?

‘Stories from the Heart’ is a queer storytelling development program for LGBTQIA+SB teenagers aged 15 to 19. Eight emerging artists are selected to work with established queer writers, directors, artists, and performers over the course of four workshops to develop a performance piece, culminating in a live performance to an audience of queer community and industry.

But it's more than just creating a performance. ‘Stories’ immerses young people in their queer community and culture. They learn about queer history, connect with community leaders, and discover how to make a tangible difference in the world with their art.

When is the next ‘Stories from the Heart’?

Watch this space! We're working on expanding ‘Stories from the Heart’ to new locations across so-called-’Australia’. This takes time, funding, and careful planning, so we won't be running our usual program in early 2026. But exciting things are on the horizon- follow TRANSMEDIUM for updates on when and where ‘Stories’ will pop up next.

Where does ‘Stories from the Heart’ take place?

‘Stories from the Heart’ began in metro-Sydney during World Pride 2023 and returned in 2025 at the Australian Theatre for Young People. We're now working to bring the program to different cities and regions across Australia. Each iteration partners with local venues and organizations to create accessible, safe spaces for queer young people to create and perform.

ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATIONs

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

LGBTQIA+SB identifying/questioning teens aged 15-19. You don't need to be "out" or have everything figured out - as long as you're respectful of all queer identities, you're welcome. Eligibility for specific location-based programs will be announced when applications open (for example, NSW residents for Sydney iterations, Victoria residents for Naarm/Melbourne iterations, etc.).

What if I'm not ‘out’ or can't be in photos/videos?

No problem at all. We get consent before posting anything online, and you can opt out of photos/social media completely. We understand that visibility is complex and that being visible as queer or trans isn't always safe or comfortable for everyone.

However, it's important to know that this program is public-facing and includes a live performance with a live audience. We will not post anything about you or your work without your consent, but we cannot control who sees or hears about the program, or who attends the public performance. If you need to talk through what this might mean for you, reach out to us at stories@transmedium.org.

Do my parents need to know?

For legal reasons, if you're under 18 we need a parent/guardian/responsible adult to sign a form. But we know this can be tricky for some people. If this might stop you from applying, email us at stories@transmedium.org and we'll try to work something out. We don't want this to be the thing that stops you from participating.

How do I apply for ‘Stories from the Heart’?

Application dates and processes will be announced when each program iteration opens. When applications are live, you'll find all the details on our website and social media.

We understand application forms can be super daunting, so if you want to apply via a different format (video/audio/phone call, or via email), please get in touch with us at stories@transmedium.org.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What are you looking for?

The only constraint for this project is that your piece must be performed on stage in front of a live audience. What you do on that stage is completely up to you! It could be spoken word poetry, a monologue, dance, music, comedy, performance art—literally anything!

We don't want to limit the content or form—we want to operate outside the box. It's queer art! Let's get experimental with it—the weirder, the better!

I really want to apply but I don't really have any ideas… Can I still apply?

Yes! All you need is the seed of an idea to apply- and it can be whatever you want! We're not looking for fully fleshed-out ideas. Don't worry too much; that's what the workshops are for- to brainstorm, bounce ideas, experiment, and discover!

I've never performed before - can I still apply?

Yes! All levels of experience are welcome. This program is designed to support beginners and help you develop your skills in a safe and encouraging environment. Past participants have ranged from complete beginners to those with some performance experience- everyone is welcome. The whole point is learning and creating together.

What is the time commitment for ‘Stories from the Heart’?

The program typically includes four full-day workshops (usually on weekends), a tech/dress rehearsal day, and a final performance day. Workshop days are generally 10:30am-4:30pm. The exact schedule varies by location and iteration, but you can expect approximately 24-30 hours of workshop time plus rehearsal and performance.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, as the program is designed to build skills and community across the full workshop period. We get that life happens though - if you need to miss a session, let us know and we'll work with you.

Who are the mentors?

Each iteration of ‘Stories from the Heart’ brings together four established queer artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Past mentors have included actors, writers, directors, performance artists, and musicians like Zoe Terakes, Mohammad Awad, jonny seymour, Callan Purcell, imbi, Tommy Misa, Betty Grumble and Laneikka Denne.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

Is there a fee to participate in the program?

No, the program is entirely free for participants.

Is travel and accommodation covered?

Generally, we don't have the budget to cover travel and accommodation. However, we do have some funds allocated to support participants who live outside the metro area and/or have accessibility requirements. If this applies to you, feel free to reach out when applications open.

I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate them?

We'll do our best. We partner with accessible venues for all workshops and performances, and we have funds set aside to help with things like:

• Transport money

• Uber costs if public transport is complicated/not accessible to you for any reason

• Lunch money

• Whatever else might stop you from coming!

Let us know what you need in your application and/or email us directly at stories@transmedium.org.

Is the program wheelchair accessible?

Yes, we partner with fully wheelchair accessible venues for all workshops and performances. If you have any other accessibility needs, please reach out to us so we can accommodate them.

PERFORMANCE & COMMUNITY

What happens at the live performance?

The live performance is your chance to showcase your piece to a live audience of friends, family, queer community members, and industry professionals. It's a mix of wholesome celebration and getting your work in front of game-makers in the local theatre and arts scene.

Performances typically take place in professional theatre spaces with full technical support (lights, sound, staging). Past performances have been to audiences of 100-180 people.

Can I invite my friends and family?

Absolutely! You'll get tickets to give out to people you want to be there. The performance is open to the public as well, so it's a chance to share your work with both your personal community and the wider queer community.

What happens after the program ends?

One of the most special things about ‘Stories from the Heart’ is the lasting community it creates. Alumni from previous years stay connected through group chats, organize their own meet-ups to concerts and picnics, and come to support new cohorts at their performances. We're developing ongoing community connection opportunities to bring different generations of Stories participants together.

As one participant said: "Queer community wasn't something tangible I could touch or feel supporting me before 'Stories'. You make community tangible."

SAFETY & WELLBEING

What about safety and child protection?

We take child safety very seriously. All staff and mentors involved in the program hold current Working With Children Checks relevant to their state/territory.

Our program adheres to strict child safety policies through our venue and organizational partners (such as the Australian Theatre for Young People's Working With Children Policy in Sydney). Our activities are guided by codes of conduct that emphasize care, respect, and proactive measures to protect young people from harm.

If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out at stories@transmedium.org.

Do you provide mental health support?

Yes! We have a support worker present during every workshop + peer support training for all the core ‘Stories’ team, plus we’ve partnered with Twenty10, a queer youth mental health organisation.

If you'd like to bring your own support worker along, let us know and we can make that work! We don't want someone's mental health being a barrier to them coming along or not. We also want you to have whatever mental health resources you need to feel safe and comfortable.

CONTACT

How can I contact the ‘Stories from the Heart’ team for more information?

If you have any additional questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact the TRANSMEDIUM team at stories@transmedium.org.

Follow us on social media for updates about upcoming programs, application dates, and to see what past participants have created!