The injection of new talent and ideas into the ensemble is encouraged with the Graduate Program initiative in which the company selects two recent graduates to become full ensemble members for a year. In turn, Graduate Ensemble members are provided with invaluable production experience, media exposure and support in the important first twelve months out of their training institution. This initiative has been created in conjunction with the Victorian College of the Arts and Swinburne University, and is supported by the JT Reid Charitable Trust.

Red Stitch has the unique capability in the performing arts industry to bridge the gap between the institution and the professional stage: providing talented graduates with opportunities, professional contacts and a supportive environment they might otherwise struggle to find straight out of study.

Red Stitch Writers is a new writer-in-residence programme at Red Stitch. Since 2004 Red Stitch has been actively pursuing script development projects within the company. In 2007, Red Stitch Writers, was officially launched and a dramaturge, Sam Strong, was a appointed to manage the selection and development of new plays and playwrights with members of the Red Stitch ensemble.

Playwrights whose work demonstrates potential are invited to join the company for 12-24 months to develop particular projects with actors from the Red Stitch ensemble and the resident dramaturg with the aim of producing new original works for the main stage theatre season; incorporating script workshops, invited readings and feedback sessions.