Wollongong's Merrigong Theatre Company is one of those, creating a digital mentorship program for the first time which is accessible to any Australian, no matter how remote or what restrictions may be in force.

Originally the program was to be face-to-face, but pandemic restrictions pushed the company to think outside the box, and in turn open opportunities for artists around the nation.

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The only catch is applicants need a connection to the Illawarra, Southern Highlands or South Coast, and they must have an idea for the stage.

"You can really come to us with anything," Merrigong's artistic development manager Leland Kean said.

"This can be the genesis of an idea, it ... doesn't need to be a fleshed out work."

Mr Kean said they were casting the net wide in search of talent with applications open to individuals or groups, either ready to launch their careers or through to established artists.

It's open to open to writers, choreographers, dancers, directors, actors, theatre makers and designers.

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While there was potential for ideas to eventually end up on the Wollongong stage.

"Often it is the theatre company that [might develop a concept further]," he said.

"But often there' opportunities for the artists to connect with mentors, with Festivals, with other industry faces as well."

There will be 12 positions available during the program with three highly regarded mentors, along with "industry observers" who will come into sessions and watch.

Previous mentors have included Stephen Armstrong, Van Badham, Kate Champion, Raimondo Cortese, Jo Duffy, Julie-Anne Long, Sarah Neal and Elizabeth Walsh.

Earlier in the year Merrigong "rebooted" their MerrigongX program - known for fostering new talent - by redirecting funds to offer $24,000 in arts grants for the development of new performance projects.

Merrigong has partnered with national producing body Performing Lines for the digital mentorship, with applications being taken until September 14. More details can be found at www.merrigong.com.au

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