17 December 2025
The Neil Curnow Award provides a career-defining opportunity for emerging South Australian creatives pursuing careers in acting, theatre development, or directing. Made possible through the generous bequest of the late Neil Curnow, an extraordinary man of the theatre based in Adelaide, this opportunity is designed to unlock new creative possibilities, foster artistic ambition, and help emerging practitioners shape the next chapter of their careers with confidence.
Through Neil Curnow’s bequest to the Independent Arts Foundation, he established this award, valued at up to $7,000 for graduates wishing to undertake interstate study and up to $10,000 for graduates wishing to undertake international study, to support emerging South Australian theatre practitioners. We are proud to continue honouring his legacy through this annual opportunity.
We are thrilled to announce that Shardae Santos from Flinders University, is the recipient of the Neil Curnow Award 2026.
Shardae is an artist driven by authenticity, rigour, and joy, moving fluidly across disciplines and embracing creativity wherever it leads. As a recent Flinders University, Bachelor of Performance (Acting) Honours graduate, Shardae is motivated by telling stories that invigorate audiences and spark connection. Her work includes; SASA award winning Guttercat (directed by Aubrey Winslow), which was previewed at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Filmmaker Showcase 2025 and premiered at Adelaide Film Festival this year, along with Odyseed (directed by Kristoffer Lucia), winner of Best Film at Sydney Underground Film Festival’s Take 48, and STC’s Stateside show Starweaver (directed by Shannon Rush).
In 2026, Shardae will star in B*tch Boxer by Charlie Josephine for DEAD DARLING THEATRE and the Adelaide Fringe.
“I am so honoured to receive the 2026 Neil Curnow award, which will provide me with new perspectives surrounding physical theatre on an international scale and will enhance my approach to character and storytelling as an emerging artist.”
Shardae Santos, Neil Curnow Award 2026 recipient.
Congratulations, Shardae! You can follow Shardae’s journey here.
Applications for the Neil Curnow Award 2027 open late in 2026.
AWARD PARTNER
Image credits: (1) ‘Futureshocks’ directed by Anthony Nicola, photography by Sam Oster. (2) ‘Son’, Shock of the New: In Adelaide, directed by Chris Drummond, photography by Sam Oster. (3) ‘Guttercat’ directed by Aubrey Winslow, photography by Emily McDonald. (4) ‘Starweaver’ directed by Shannon Rush, photography by Jamie Hornsby. (5) ‘Blood Wedding’ directed by Renato Musolino, photography by Dom Scopes.