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"Always question the obvious"
Gary Henderson
Gary Henderson
Suggestions for proactive playwrights who want to make things happen, not waste time waiting for opportunities to come to them.
This section is being added to and updated as info arrives ... please let me know if any info here is wrong, or if there is anything you would like to see included - all ideas welcome (scripts@playmarket.org.nz)
"We don't develop plays - we DO them!"
"13P is model for the future of new plays. It ensures that they will actually get produced, and let’s face it, that’s radical." (Polly Carl, Producing Artistic Director, The Playwrights Center)
"13P (Thirteen Playwrights, Inc.) was formed in 2003 by 13 midcareer playwrights concerned about what the trend of endless readings and new play development programs is doing to the texture and ambition of new American plays. We decided we were ready to take matters into our own hands. 13P realizes full productions of new plays. The resources of the company are placed at the disposal of the playwright at work, who serves as the company's artistic director during the production of her play."
"A fine and intelligent idea in this day of institutional blandness..."
This is a really inspiring initiative - perfect for any playwright who's tired of moaning that theatres don't want to license their plays, and who feels like a bit of pro-activity. Have a read of their philosphy and MO, and see if you can't adapt it to suit your own situation. If you think we can help, get in touch - scripts@playmarket.org.nz.
Do you like the sound of this? :- "Before the Twentieth Century, the most common producer was the playwright. Playwrights are uniquely suited to recognize powerful new material for the stage. ... "
"Over the past ten decades, writers have deviated from their historical position in theatre, retreating from direct involvement with producing entities, and ceding control to third-party producers, thereby leaving the artistic future of playwriting to others whose understanding of and dedication to the most bracing new writing is not the same...
"But great theatre existed before large budgets, and can exist now without them."
If so, check out the Sanctuary Theatre website for inspiration - www.sanctuarytheatre.org
This a fantastic free downloadable manual that you can find among the other resources on the Publications pages of the Creative New Zealand website:-
www.creativenz.govt.nz/Portals/0/publications/touring-manual-07.pdf
If you are going to use music in your play, you may need to apply to APRA for permission (www.apra.co.nz). This is a simple process but it's wise to do this well ahead of time in case there are problems and you have to think of alternatives. For all queries contact Emma Blake, Concert & Theatrical Licensing Representative - toll Free 0800 692 772 ext 724 : licencenz@apra.com.au.
And apropos, you may find this interesting - www.scriptmag.com/resources/tips-articles/the-playwrights-bill-of-rights.html
Please note that this FREE resource is available from The Play Press either in PDF or hard copy (we can provide a bunch of them if want handouts for students, for instance); order from stuff@playpress.co.nz. It contains some suggestions for ways to avoid disputes and resentment when working collaboratively, and includes some simple draft contracts to aid discussion and negotiation.
For LISTS of these and contacts, and other potentially useful addresses:- please check out 'Links' on our main menu. (If you would like to be added or removed from these lists, please let me know at scripts@playmarket.org.nz). If you are a playwright looking for a producer, let us know and we may be able to make some suggestions. As indicated above, however, a producer, especially if you can't find one you're happy with, isn't necessary, and you certainly shouldn't allow the lack of one to delay your production plans. A good admin assistant may be all you need.
The definition of 'producer' is a moveable feast, and we can help to ensure that everyone is clear on what is expected of a playwright/producer partnership. Please get in touch if you have any queries on this score.
We encourage all playwrights (whether you are a Playmarket client or not) to pass any contracts by the director (director@playmarket.org.nz) or the Writers' Guild, if you are a member (www.nzwritersguild.org.nz) before you commit yourself; to ensure that they are as sound as possible and that you fully understand all the implications. If your potential producer objects to you doing this, take it as a warning sign!
We are always on the lookout for producers/production managers who are happy to work with motivated, proactive playwrights who want to be actively involved in their premiere productions, and who are excited by the idea of working within a collective philosophy. Please let me know if you think this might be you, or if you know anyone who fits this definition, and we may be able to intiate some creative partnerships.
1. Check out the Creative New Zealand website www.creativenz.govt.nz; and in particular the Funding Guide (the 2010 guide is now available). Click on Funding > Contestable Funding, both to access an online Funding Guide and to order a free hard copy to be posted to you.
The next relevant grants for playwrights are 5th Feb 2010 (Quick Response Grant; there are two others during the year) and 5th March (Arts Grant; there is one other later in the year). If you haven't ever considered applying for CNZ funds to write (or workshop or rehearse or produce) your play, now is the time to research the Guide and think about it. It looks like a nightmare - but once you've done it once and have a template, it's much easier, and there is plenty of advice out there.
Check out previous grants and the sort of thing that's funded; get in touch with the advisor attached to your area if you have queries:-
Programme Administrator – Auckland - Carolyn Todd Tel: 09-373 3066
Email: carolyn.todd@creativenz.govt.nz
Programme Administrator – Wellington - Ariana Odermatt Tel: 04-498 0740
Email: ariana.odermatt@creativenz.govt.nz
Programme Administrator – Christchurch - Carolyn Frew Tel: 03-366 2072
Email: carolyn.frew@creativenz.govt.nz
Pacific arts - Programme Adviser - Anton Carter - Tel: 09-354 4863
Email: anton.carter@creativenz.govt.nz
Maori Arts Services – Central Region - Haniko Tekurapa - Tel: 04-473 0182
Email: haniko.tekurapa@creativenz.govt.nz
2. ALSO!! - check out free-to-use cultural funding database:- http://www.nzlive.com/en/index?type=funding. The goal is "to help artists and arts organisations search for potential sources of funding for their projects", so should be useful.
3. ALSO!! - check out your local City Council and see if you are eligible for any of their cultural grants.
Want to write - or adapt existing work for - radio? Check out www.radionz.co.nz/national/drama/dramainfo for all the information you will need.
Keep an eye on Opportunities (both on our Main Menu and homepage) for information on competitions, residencies and commissions etc.
PAD Directory: -Go to Theatreview, www.theatreview.org.nz, to access the NZ Performing Arts Directory. Scroll down the various functions to find the contacts or assistance you need - and add yourself to it if appropriate. Categories range from agent and actor through designer, funding, lighting, producer, script development and venue hire - every branch of theatre catered for. It's early days yet so check regularly for additions.
Check out: - www.londoncomedywriters.com/resources/Submit/Theatre4.html
Check out: - www.snodger.com.au/shop/DVD/WIW/page/pcameron.php#tip
Check out:- www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2009/nov/05/empty-space-peter-brook-awards