Darebin Arts Speakeasy Companies in Residence
The Companies in Residence program is designed to support independent companies to consolidate and continue their growth, and reflect on their role in the sector and the broader community.
The program is not outcome-focused, but invites companies to focus on their own professional development beyond the cycle of making the next big show.
Companies are given 8 weeks of space, in which time they program open practice sessions, and curate and host 2 Scratch Nights, offering the wider community opportunities to engage and learn from them.
We piloted this program in 2025 with Po Po Mo Co and The Voice In My Hands.
In 2026, we’re pleased to support two established independent companies with long histories of presenting outstanding work with Darebin Arts: Bloomshed and Elbow Room.
As their residencies approach, we’ll be announcing opportunities for artists of all experience levels to come and get involved. If you’re looking to connect with other artists through a community of practice, this is for you. Newcomers welcome.
Our 2026 Companies in Residence
Bloomshed is a group of Australian artists who create cutting edge political satire, with a distinct and outrageous physical and comedic style. They mix big political ideas with entertaining and accessible storytelling. Since 2012 they have created twelve new devised and adapted works. Previous credits include Pride & Prejudice (WINNER: Best Production by a Theatre Company on VCE Playlist, 2025), A Dodgeball Named Desire (WINNER: Innovation in Theatre and NSW Touring Award, Melbourne Fringe 2023), Animal Farm (WINNER: Best Production Green Room Awards, 2024 and Drama Victoria’s Best Production by a Theatre Company on VCE Playlist 2023), and Paradise Lost (WINNER: Best Production, Direction, Set & Costume, and Lighting Design Green Room Awards 2023).
“This is a rare chance to step back from the churn of production and shape the future of our company with intention. It will help us consolidate our artistic identity and build a more sustainable foundation for the work ahead. Open practice sessions and scratch nights will help us build stronger connections with other artists, and the wider community.” - Bloomshed
Bloomshed will be in residence at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre in February and March 2026.
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Elbow Room is an independent theatre company working on unceded Wurundjeri land in Naarm. Since 2008, they've made eighteen new works on the principle of ‘big questions in small spaces’.
They’ve presented critically acclaimed and award-winning work with Darebin Arts Speakeasy, Southbank Corporation (Brisbane), Regional Arts Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company, Summerhall UK (Scotland), Brisbane Powerhouse, La Boite Theatre, HotHouse Theatre (Albury-Wodonga), Carriageworks (Sydney), Theatre Works (Melbourne), Metro Arts (Brisbane), Brisbane Festival, Junction Arts Festival (Launceston), and the Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney Fringe Festivals. The company is committed to forging pathways for early career artists, amplifying rarely heard voices, and creating platforms for community.
"Elbow Room have had the privilege of presenting five works with Darebin Arts Speakeasy since 2013, and we’re excited and honoured to be returning to Darebin Arts and the Northcote Town Hall for this residency.
Our community of artists and audiences have always been fundamental to what we do, and we are thrilled that we can spend time creating space for play, discussion and the development of new work through this residency." - Elbow Room
Get to know their work at elbowroomproductions.com
Elbow Room will be in residence at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre between April and June 2026.
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The Darebin Arts Speakeasy Companies in Residence program forms part of the wider Darebin Arts Speakeasy initiative. Darebin Arts Speakeasy is a creative incubator that comprises an annual performance season, the venue residencies, the development of new works, and regular scratch nights. It aims to foster local community practice in the independent arts sector; support the creation and development of bold new works that represent a rich diversity of artists, artforms and stories; and offer a breadth of high-quality artistic experiences for local audiences.