Playwrights urged to kick down doors

Arts Minister Virginia Judge is encouraging NSW-based playwrights to submit their work for a new industry event – PlayWriting Australia’s Kicking Down the Doors.

Arts Minister Virginia Judge is encouraging NSW-based playwrights to submit their work for a new industry event – PlayWriting Australia’s Kicking Down the Doors.

Ms Judge said Kicking Down the Doors is a full day of play readings designed to connect unproduced writers to audiences and the theatre industry.

Two of the most outstanding writers will receive a six-month mentorship with PlayWriting Australia and have their work showcased at the National Play Festival in 2011.

“This is about getting Australian plays on our stages in mainstream and independent venues,” she said.

“Our audiences are screaming out for more Australian content and I am committed to supporting programs that encourage our playwrights to develop and produce Australian work.

“We have so many wonderful stories to tell and I would love to see them being shared in our Australian theatres.”

Kicking Down the Doors is open to all NSW-based playwrights who have not yet been professionally produced.

Eligible playwrights are invited to submit an excerpt of a full-length play to be included in the live, public reading presented by a professional cast on Monday, September 20 at CarriageWorks in Sydney.

Two of the best writers will receive a six-month mentorship with PlayWriting Australia’s Artistic Director, Chris Mead, and will have their work showcased at the National Play Festival in 2011.

Ms Judge said the NSW Government has provided $30,000 funding to Playwriting Australia for Kicking Down the Doors and other NSW initiatives.

“Kicking Down the Doors is the first in a series of initiatives for NSW playwrights, including emerging, developing and established writers,” she said.

“Another initiative to support the career development of established playwrights will be announced soon.

“By investing in local content, the NSW Government is fostering new opportunities for local playwrights and new discoveries for Australian audiences.”

PlayWriting Australia Artistic Director Chris Mead said Kicking Down the Doors is about removing barriers to getting work produced.

“This opportunity provides playwrights with no professional credits the chance to hear their work read by professional actors,” he said.

“We want to open up access to the industry to diverse voices. We look forward to hearing excerpts that entice and intrigue the audience into wanting more!”

The deadline for Kicking Down the Doors submissions is 5pm on Friday, August 27.

For more information visit www.pwa.org.au/Skills/KickingDowntheDoors.