Playwright Development

Stages offers writers across the breadth of writing experience a range of opportunities to recharge their creative batteries. Regular workshops and seminars are conducted by both national and local theatre practitioners of renown. For the new writer and emerging writer there is The Dynamic Stage, a ten week skills-based studio, for the emerging and established writers there is an annual weekend workshop with a nationally recognised theatre practitioner.

Recent workshops and seminars

2006 – Stephen Sewell – Theatre at the End of History

In 2006 we held a public event and a weekend workshop for performance writers with Stephen Sewell, Australia’s most exciting big-issue playwright entitled Theatre at the End of History “In this chaotic, mad world, artists are needed more than ever to bring hope and meaning to our existence” Stephen Sewell.

Jointly hosted by the Australian National Playwrights’ Centre, the Australian Writers’ Guild and Stages, the public event was structured as a conversation between Stephen and Stages’ Director Sophia Hall. The weekend workshop contained three distinct sessions. Theatre of Edge challenged the participants to rethink their views of what theatre is and is capable of. Psychology vs. Craft proposed that writers, in common with other artists, are confronted by challenging psychological issues which must be recognized and dealt with in order to successfully undertake their task. Theatre vs. Screen focused on the common mistake made that the skills needed to write good theatre are the same ones used to write film and television, when really these are three very different media. In essence, the weekend represented a series of fascinating conversations with a playwright who is as passionate, and intensely human as his plays.

A great workshop full of insight and challenges, would love to delve further and will. Refreshing and invigorating. It’s been great to hear other writers talking passionately about writing. All in the same room too! A fantastic weekend – challenging, empowering and stimulating. Hardened my resolve to continue writing and commit to the long haul. Much food for thought – and maybe a paradigm shift in approach to writing. I loved his integrity. Stephen, thanks so much for all the thought and passion and hope! Really enjoyed the discussion and an opportunity to tap into “dangerous territory” ... Look forward to exploring it! I am inspired by hanging out with the legend. I am now going to write that ‘really scary play’ that I’ve been putting off. You’ve given me renewed vigour. I’ve found the experience of listening to you discuss your work, the art of theatre and also hearing other opinions amazing, incredible and inspiring. Thank you Stephen for including “me” in the “us” and “we” of writers…very generous of you. You are worthy of much. Thanks Stephen, I feel validated, that it’s important I exist, vital that I keep working and that sense of being on the edge and at the beginning of history has been really liberating. Thanks Stephen for the fire in the belly, the passion and ideas – and yes, you are making sense!

2005 - Julian Meyrick - Mechanics not Mysteries

In 2005 we held a weekend workshop with Julian Meyrick, Associate Director and Literary Adviser at the Melbourne Theatre Company entitled Mechanics not Mysteries – a drama not verbalized is a drama not realized.

Jointly hosted by the Australian National Playwrights’ Centre and Stages, this workshop was extremely successful, offering the participants an insight into Julian’s thinking and broader philosophies blended with specific detail about his role at the MTC and some one-on-one time with him focussing on a particular piece they were working on. A blend that proved immensely inspiring and deeply pragmatic.

This workshop proved a great opportunity to take time out from creating and think about what theatre is, its value and future. Julian proved the perfect leader for this discussion because of his historical knowledge and desire to analyse our industry in detail. I felt inspired to seek a greater sense of community within WA arts and to refresh some of my personal philosophies. I also enjoyed reconnecting with some of Perth's leading artists and recommend we find a way of getting together more often to chew the theatrical fat. My one on one session with Julian prompted me to complete the first draft of a long unfinished play. Thanks to all involved for a satisfying and stimulating workshop

2004 - Francesca Smith - Getting Under Your Own Skin

In 2004 ,Francesca Smith, the director of Playworks led Getting Under Your Own Skin – a workshop for Women Playwrights. The workshop, co-funded by Stages and Playworks. covered questions such as:

I’ve been looking for a process to help me start a new work … and this weekend has given me terrific tools. A great workshop. Thank you so much for confronting, exciting, amazing, comforting, listening, speaking, deciding, confiding and freeing! The investigation of the writing process was invaluable and has propelled me.What a very fine way to spend a weekend … I leave with my skin tingling.

2003 - May-Brit Akerholt - Skills Development in Dramaturgy.

In 2003 Stages and the Australian National Playwrights’ Centre hosted a weekend workshop led by May-Brit Akerholt, providing skills development in dramaturgy. May-Brit’s knowledge of and commitment to the making of good theatre is inspirational and her energy and insight was invigorating.

May-Brit’s generosity is tremendous. Inspiring. Thought provoking, stimulating. As rich as a nut or apple. Practical and illuminating. Opportunity to talk with colleagues … to share knowledge and insights - fantastic – And it happens far too rarely. May-Brit’s expertise was imparted with such warmth and energy.

2003 - John Romeril – A Lonely Business in a Collective Trade?

BSX Be Active Theatre and Stages co-hosted a seminar by John Romeril in December 2003 which looked at the business of playwriting and how much quality control writers can exercise. With many years of theatre and screen credits behind him, John Romeril lead an informative discussion on craft, cunning and dedication in the name of getting what you write right.