Stress Less Sanctuary 2026

Our Stress Less Sanctuary is back for 2026 — transforming the Guild Theatre into a calming otherwordly abode.

Last year hundreds of students visited the Sanctuary, with everything from free massages to livestream animals and collaging. What will 2025 bring? Stay tuned...

Want to join the Stress Less Sanctuary 2026 Design Team?

Calling all designers, theatre makers, creatives, builders, artists, performers, crafty people, storytellers, architects, set designers, fabricators, makers, lighting designers, sound designers, engineers, digital artists, and more! 

Join a small team to transform the Guild Theatre into Union House Theatre’s ‘Stress Less Sanctuary’.

Wondering… “But what even is a Stress Less Sanctuary?” It’s a space for relaxation, rest (and restoration!) and fun – a place for students to wind down before deadlines start winding up. All designed and built by you! 

This year, participants will be inspired by asking how the natural world tells us to de-stress and look after ourselves and each other. Along with the prompt “Thus Spoke the Plant” based on the book by plant scientist Monica Gagliano. 

This project includes being guided through the process of designing and building the set and space, as well as supporting students’ experience of the space. 

There’s also a chance for optional performance elements for interested participants (with our 2026 Artist in Residence, Gregory Lorenzutti). 

No experience? No worries! We’re looking for eager participants of all practice backgrounds to create a unique eco-space! 

Open to all UniMelb students, no matter what you’re studying

All you need to bring is yourself and your ideas — and willingness to work together! 

EOIs close midnight, Tuesday 21 April.

APPLY NOW