We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, Ancestors and leaders of the Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is based.
We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognising their resilience and ongoing connection to land, water and culture, despite ongoing colonial interruption and genocide.
Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
ILBIJERRI Ensemble
ILBIJERRI Ensemble supports emerging creatives who are passionate about developing their performing arts skills through workshops and knowledge sharing sessions, as well as networking and collaboration with emerging and established First Peoples creatives.
The program prepares individuals to take to the stage in a culturally safe way, with program perks like free tickets to shows and industry events, and special assistance including transport as needed.
We would like to extended a hearty welcome and congratulations to this year's ILBIJERRI Ensemble participants; Eden Bren (Darug Buruberongal), Jordan Johnston (Barkindji and Gunai Kurnai), Kimmie Lovegrove (Ngarrindjeri), Siëm Estella Putland (Gamilaroi), Hannah Morphy-Walsh (Taungurung), Joey Gleeson-Djurica (Torres Strait Islander and Bundjalung/Gumbaynggyir), Corin Anne Corcoran eagleton (Wailwan (weilwan, wayilwan)) and Brodie Murray (Wamba Wamba).
2026 WORKSHOP DATES
| Block One | Once weekly workshop on Thursdays April 27 - June 01 |
| Block Two | June 15 - July 27 |
| Block Three | August 10 - September 21 |
| Outcome Week | Full week September 28 - October 02 |
ABOUT ENSEMBLE
The ILBIJERRI Ensemble program was first established in 2018 and has been modelled and shaped over the years by its participants.
Ensemble Open Access supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged between 18 and 35, who are passionate about theatre to develop their performing arts skills, build confidence, network, and collaborate with emerging and established First Peoples creatives in a fun and culturally safe space.
Across a 6-month term of workshops, intensives and collaborations participants learn performance and theatre-making skills, and have the opportunity to get paid to present the final outcome of their work.
Participants will work closely with this year’s Program Director, Amy Sole, and Producer Joel Te Teira to support their journey as First Peoples storytellers and forge new career pathways.
ILBIJERRI ENSEMBLE 2025 COHORT
ILBIJERRI Ensemble 2025 participants were Kimmie Lovegrove, Brentisha Macale, Josiah Johnston-Wyntjes, Imparja Pettit, Jordan Johnston, Jharrad Simpson, and Betty Sumner who rounded out 2025 with a collaborative work created with our BlackStage participants.
PREVIOUS ENSEMBLE WORKS
MAGIC TIDDAS
2025
GET YOUR GEEK ON
2024
10 IN 10 ONLINE READINGS
2021
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE DEAD
2019
ILBIJERRI Ensemble is supported by The University of Melbourne, City of Yarra, InPlace and Newsboys Foundation.
