Media Release – Winter Nights Returns to The Blue Room Theatre This July
Back by popular demand, Winter Nights returns to The Blue Room Theatre from 7-18 July 2026, transforming the middle of winter into two weeks of creativity, connection, and artistic discovery. A beloved fixture of Western Australia’s independent arts sector, Winter Nights is a festival dedicated to nurturing new ideas, supporting artists, and creating space for experimentation. Through performances, workshops, showings, talks, and industry gatherings, the festival empowers artists to test work, develop skills, build partnerships, and imagine new possibilities for performance. This year’s expanded program celebrates the collaborative spirit and creative ambition of WA artists, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the next generation of bold and exciting work before it reaches the main stage.
600 Seconds Expands Across Five Creative Streams
One of The Blue Room Theatre’s most-loved development programs, 600 Seconds, returns as a major feature of Winter Nights 2026.
This year, the program expands into five dynamic streams, showcasing creativity across performance, movement, music, installation, and interdisciplinary practice.
MOVES – Presented in partnership with STRUT Dance and mentored by Adelina Larsson and Anthony Coxeter, MOVES brings together dance and movement artists pushing the boundaries of physical storytelling.
MUSIC – Mentored by Tao Issaro, MUSIC showcases emerging sound-makers and musicians exploring bold new sonic possibilities.
MONTAGE – Presented in partnership with Black Swan State Theatre Company and mentored by Kate Champion, MONTAGE celebrates innovative performance and contemporary storytelling.
MENAGERIE – Mentored by Ginava (Blake Anderson), MENAGERIE invites audiences into a world of the strange, playful, and unexpected.
MAKES – Running across both weeks, MAKES transforms The Blue Room Theatre itself through installation, design, and spatial interventions. Mentored by Sam Knox, artists will reimagine the venue and transport audiences into entirely new worlds.
Five streams. Countless ideas. One festival celebrating the creativity, innovation, and talent of Western Australian artists.
Investing in Artists Through Professional Development
Alongside performances and showings, Winter Nights 2026 will deliver a comprehensive professional development program responding directly to the needs of the sector.
The festival will feature nine workshops spanning both artistic practice and professional skills development. Artists will have opportunities to deepen their creative processes while strengthening the practical tools needed to sustain a career in the arts.
Workshop topics include performance, dramaturgy, design, technical skills, career sustainability, community engagement, marketing and media, and producing.
Designed for artists at all stages of their careers, the program aims to foster knowledge-sharing, confidence, and long-term sector growth.
A Festival of Ideas, Conversation and Community
Winter Nights is more than a festival, it is a gathering place for artists, audiences, and ideas.
Across the two weeks, audiences will also experience thought-provoking Theatre Salons, storytelling events, live music, and community celebrations, creating a vibrant meeting point for creativity and connection during Perth’s winter season.
Whether you’re discovering new artists, testing new ideas, or joining the conversation, Winter Nights offers an opportunity to experience the future of performance as it happens.
For tickets and more info, visit blueroom.org.au
Interviews and features are available upon request.
Media contact and enquiries:
Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ (He/Him)
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
(08) 9227 7005
Image credit: Apurva Gupta
DOWNLOAD PDF OF MEDIA RELEASE HERE