Playwriting Programs

SCWC & MERRIGONG THEATRE

PLAYWRIGHTS PROGRAM

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2024 PLAYWRIGHTS

Lindsay Fisher

Susie Fagan

Karen Cummings

Peter Lavelle

A J Wright

Christine Sykes

Iris Huizinga

Alison Bennett 

Merrigong  Theatre Company has a long history of developing and producing new work by Australian playwrights. Merrigong Theatre Company and the South Coast Writers Centre are both dedicated to leading from the regions and nurturing the next generation of creative writers and artists. For this reason, Merrigong and the SCWC have formed a partnership to invest in the next generation of theatre storytellers via a long-term development program for those with an interest in writing for the stage. 

The 2024 SCWC / Merrigong Playwrights Program aims to create a space where writers are encouraged to develop their writing projects among a safe and supportive group of peers. The purpose is to foster community with a group of writers, give them space to write and think about their practice, and to share work. Capped at 10 participants, this is a 10-month program that will run from February-November 2024. The group will meet monthly on Saturdays either at Coledale Community Hall or at a performance in one of Merrigong’s venues. Over the course of the program, participants will also see and discuss five Merrigong shows, will hear from guest industry teachers, and will workshop the participants plays in development.  The group will be convened by Tom Peach, playwright, ex-president of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre and an alumni of the Merrigong Playwrights Program.

This program is open to anyone aged 18 and above. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBQTI people.  Participants will need to be members of the SCWC to accept a position in the program. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and program where all our artists are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, ideas and perspectives.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE JANUARY 6 JANUARY 21st (EXTENDED!)

The full program cost is $200 (including theatre shows): a sliding payment scale and payment plan is available.

Playwrights Program Schedule 2024

  • Sat 17th February - Send for Nellie at IPAC Wollongong

  • Sat 16th March - Workshop at SCWC Coledale

  • Sat 20th April - Workshop at SCWC Coledale

  • Sat 11th May - Dear Diary at IPAC Wollongong

  • Sat 15th June - Workshop at SCWC Coledale

  • Sat 20th July - Workshop at SCWC Coledale

  • Sat 24th August  - Birdsong of Tomorrow at IPAC Wollongong

  • Sat 21st September - Guards at the Taj at IPAC Wollongong

  • Sat 12th October - Table reading at SCWC Coledale

  • Sat 2nd November - Cardinal Rules at IPAC Wollongong

The SCWC is proud to partner with Merrigong Theatre Company on the 2024 SCWC & Merrigong Theatre Playwrights Program.

Other Playwriting/Performance Partner Programs

Class Clowns

As part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Merrigong hosts a youth comedy program, Class Clowns, where young people are led by a professional comedian to develop their piece before performing as part of the Class Clowns Wollongong heat. The overall national winner receives a cash prize of $1,500, and a workshop package for their school.

Young Playwrights Project

The Young Playwrights Project is a collaborative initiative between Merrigong Theatre Company and The Drama Studio that provides young actors and playwrights with the opportunity to develop their theatre-making skills under the guidance of industry professionals.

The SPAT New Works Festival

Stanwell Park Arts Theatre, SPAT, is a community theatre group that helps to provide a place for the community to tell their stories, and participate, in theatre. The festival is an opportunity for playwrights to take a new work and have it read on stage in front of a live audience.