THE NEW PLOT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD Proudly presented by 107 Projects and Actors Centre Australia (ACA). 107 Projects in association with ACA launch The New Plot, a new development award for Australian Playwrights. This initiative has been created to foster professional development for writers and bring new Australian stories to the stage. The New Plot is a feature of 107 Presents 2016­2017. The New Plot are seeking Australian playwrights who demonstrate a strong contemporary voice and a talent for storytelling to write a new play in 2016­2017. This initiative has attracted high profile and experienced professionals who will make up the panel of industry experts. The panel will select the best candidate to receive the professional development package. This package includes $10,000 cash, one on one time with panel members, script production with a cast of ACA actors and professional directors, professional cinematic audio production by AFTRS for radio and online broadcast and a 4 week artist residency at The Bundanon Trust to support the writers professional growth and provide opportunities for extended reach through the develop of the script into a full length play. The Shortlisted plays will be staged to the public as part of the 107 Presents 2017 program from March ­ April 2017 for 2 weeks. The winning script will then be featured in 107 Presents 2018 program with a full 3 week season. During the production of the six finalists plays, each script/show will receive: ● A company of graduated Actors (out of a company of 10) from ACA and a professional Australian Director ● Rehearsal space at Actors Centre Australia, Leichhardt ● Minimal Production budget ● Audio/Visual designer ● The six selected 25­35 minute plays will be presented in front of a live audience and the panel of experts
● Individual feedback from the panelists COMPETITION GUIDELINES ENTRANTS: ● Entrants should be an emerging playwright (writers in their career development with some writing experience). ● Only one play may be submitted by each playwright in any submission round. ● Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and over the age of 18. ASSESSMENT PROCESS Our selection process will concentrate on finding new work that demonstrates an outstanding theatrical promise with the potential for further exploration. ● All submissions will be read ‘blind’ by an independent panel of readers with six scripts being selected to move forward. ● Shortlisted playwrights may be contacted to discuss their application in further detail. ● The assessment process remains confidential and no further details of readers’ assessments will be provided to playwrights. The industry panel of judges will be looking for a compelling, exciting and contemporary narrative managed by up to 5 cast and will select a shortlist by assessing the work on the following criteria: ● The quality, strength and resonance of the idea/s presented ● Bravery and risk­taking ● Excellence in craft and skill ● The story represents the diversity of Australia ● Rich engaging text that does not require the bells and whistles of a large production resources to inspire and engage ● Script must be between 25 ­ 35 minutes ● Must be writer’s original work ● Must be a complete draft ­ a complete experience for the audience as a story within itself. This may be the 1st act of a 2 act play and therefore leaves the audience wanting more, but as a piece it can stand alone. ● Will not be musical theatre works or work that requires musical dramaturgy ● Must be unproduced, and not scheduled for production before 1st March 2018 ● Applicants must be an individual Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your eligibility: [email protected] THE NEW PLOT CALENDAR OF EVENTS Playwright submissions open 26th September 2016 Playwright submissions close 31st December 2016 Shortlisted playwrights notified 31st January 2017 Rehearsals begin 6th March 2017 Production Season Week 1: 3 plays Week 2: 3 plays 28th March ­ 9th April 2017 Winner & People’s choice award announced 11th April 2017 4 week Bundanon residency to develop play into a full length script 2nd ­ 30th June 2017 Winner’s full length show is staged during the 3 week season March 2018 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION It is recommended that playwrights be onsite during rehearsals and the 2 week production /season period. We understand this may be too long if playwrights are not from Sydney, so at a minimum it is recommended that playwrights attend for the season period. 107 Projects is happy to support playwrights with getting funding assistance for accommodation and travel, however please note that this is not included in the prize package. For additional information about the 107 Projects performace space and floor plan, please go to h
ttp://107projects.org/performance­space/ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES The below information will be requested to complete your application: ● Applicant’s contact details ● Two copies of your script (see script format notes below). Please note that your script must follow these format guidelines. ● Please provide a complete breakdown of the entire plot of the play. This isn’t marketing copy – don’t try to intrigue us by leaving us hanging, we’d like you to tell us the whole story. Please outline all of the story of the play. 2
00 words maximum. ● Development Notes (see below) ● One to two pages outlining the intention of the play and the next steps for development. ● A CV. ● Additional Info: a. short biographical details, including a summary of professional credits as available and a photo; b. details of any support the play has so far received, including funding, mentoring or dramaturgy, and any future support currently planned, if applicable; c. details of any current commissioning and/or option arrangements, if applicable; SCRIPT FORMAT Please ensure that: ● you submit two copies of your script, including one that is a ‘clean’ copy on which the writer’s name, contact details or agent’s details do not appear anywhere for the purpose of anonymous assessment; ● all script pages must be consecutively numbered; ● If mailed, script pages should be unbound, held together only with bulldog/fold back clips. All scripts must be submitted following the below format: ● Cover page including the play title ● Character list on page 1 (with suggested doubling) ● Page numbers ● Paper size: A4, Portrait ● Font Type: 11 or 12pt DEVELOPMENT NOTES We ask you to provide some thoughts about where the play is at and how you want it to evolve: 1. B
ackground: In this section, we ask you to give some context about your project to date. We want to know your premise and intention; what’s the context? Why are you writing it and what are you exploring? What are you pleased with in the current draft? What isn’t working? 500 words maximum. 2. D
evelopment aims: Tell us how you will use the time to practically interrogate the draft. What do you wish to further develop and how? What work needs to be done to progress the play? This is especially important if you are submitting a draft that is as yet unfinished. 5
00 words maximum. This information is essential as we compare the responses of our readers to your own critical thinking on the play. The intention here is not to expect you to write a scholarly essay, but rather an opportunity to explain the project to a colleague in an honest and practical manner. HOW TO SUBMIT Please post or email your application and supporting documents to The New Plot by the 31st December 2016 . Please note there is no fee to apply. Email: s [email protected] When emailing your application please ensure to label the title with the name of the play and playwrights name. Postal Address: PO BOX 105, Paddington, NSW 2021 (Att: Dario Phillips c/o 107 Projects) TERMS & CONDITIONS ● Applications should be submitted via email by 5pm on the published closing date. Mail applications must be postmarked on or before that closing date. ● Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered. ● Submissions will be acknowledged by email upon receipt. ● A representative from The New Plot may contact you to request additional information in connection with your submission. ● We are unable to return either copy of your script to you under any circumstance. ● The shortlisted applications will be informed by a representative from The New Plot on the 31st January 2017 via email or phone. ● We are unable to respond to enquiries regarding your application during the assessment process. ● Successful applicants are required to acknowledge The New Plot’s support in future presentations of the work. ● By submitting your work you will agree that you will engage in any media events, interviews or public relations statements that may be required in line with the promotion of The New Plot. NEED HELP? Feel free to contact The New Plot if you have any questions about your application. Email: t [email protected]