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"It's what happens when the talking stops that’s most important"
Ken Duncum
Ken Duncum
Publicity photo for Lynda Chanwai Earle's Man in a Suitcase.
(For enquiries contact - Jean Betts: scripts@playmarket.org.nz)
Playmarket provides a range of services to assist playwrights in the development of their scripts.
While we accept applications for assistance from any New Zealand or resident playwright, our limited budget means that we are more likely to support scripts that have a firm production date, scripts from clients, and those plays submitted through our competitions that have done well.
Please note that applications must come directly from the playwright; not the producer, agent or other representative.
Please also note that we can only accept scripts for development consideration that have reached first draft stage, or equivalent.
Also note that not all scripts need to go through a development process; many are ready for production with little more than a slightly more intensive rehearsal schedule. However many scripts can derive enormous benefit from this sort of attention, and we do our best to identify the best development process for your play, and to design an approach appropriate to its needs.
Among the services we might offer a playwright are:-
Private readings:-Our playwright clients have made it clear that being able to observe a rehearsal and reading of their script is one of the most valuable tools we can offer. Therefore the most common assistance we offer for major new works on their way to professional production is a private rehearsed reading, plus a feedback session, if the playwright requests it; and possibly also time with a Script Advisor. These can be half or one day readings, or two separate days (divided by a new draft).
(By 'reading', I strongly advise a 'moved' reading - i.e. not just actors sitting in a circle, but an attempt at a rough, active staging. In my view this helps ensure that actors give a more rounded and committed performance, giving you a better chance to gauge the 'look' and feel of an actual production. However, if you are clear that you would prefer just to hear it read, that's fine too. JB)
These are playwright driven. We will work with you to sort out a programme that best suits your play's needs, including discussion on how much of a 'workshop' component there is to the day, and will do our best to hire your preferred cast and crew. You may invite a private audience to a final reading if you want. We pay actors' fees, director and script advisor's fees, and venue and other costs as agreed.
Public rehearsed readings:-
These are usually granted as part of a prize for one of our competitions (see details under 'Opportunities' on our website menu). The playwright takes part in all rehearsals, and every attempt is made to hire your preferred cast and crew.
Script Advisor:-
Script Advice, one to one, with someone that suits you, can be provided for plays at any stage of development (post first draft). This can be in person, or via an online arrangement. We will do our best to engage your preferred mentor, or can recommend someone appropriate.
Group devised work:-We can pay an Advisor to provide dramaturgical oversight for groups involved in a collaborative writing process. Please note though as explained above that we can only consider assisting work that has reached first draft status or equivalent. If you are confused about what this might mean in your case, please get in touch for clarification.
Check out - www.snodger.com.au/shop/DVD/WIW/page/poswald.php#tip - for some relevant thoughts.
We organise several competitions and other opportunities which we urge you to take advantage of, as this is by far the best way for us to get to know your work. These competitions as excellent opportunities to get your work read by industry professionals. What's more, it's usual for playwrights who make the shortlists for our competitions to go on to get further attention and support from us (and who knows, you might win!). So please check out, for deadlines and conditions:-
If you have any queries about any of the above, please contact Jean on scripts@playmarket.org.nz.
Generally, Playmarket's invitation to be a client writer is made to playwrights who have works we believe have substantial long-term professional production potential. For it to be worth the while of both playwright and Playmarket, sufficient need for the writer to have an agent needs to be demonstrated – both in terms of the writer paying the agency commission from their earnings, and Playmarket expending the time on their behalf. In many cases Playmarket takes playwrights on as clients when their work is in professional demand, and licensing and royalty payments become too much for the writer to handle alone.
A commission of 10% of client royalties is charged for Playmarket’s services. Only New Zealand citizens or residents are eligible for representation. For further enquiries about the agency or representation issues, please contact Katrina Chandra, Agency Coordinator; agency@playmarket.org.nz
NB - 'Playwright membership' is not the same thing as Client Status.