SCWC / MERRIGONG PLAYWRIGHTS PROGRAM

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 (SCWC) 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 2023 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. Capped at 10 participants, this is a 10-month program that will run from March-November 2023. The group will meet monthly on Saturdays at Coledale Community Hall or one of Merrigong’s venues to workshop the participants’ plays in development. Over the course of the program, participants will also see and discuss five Merrigong shows and will learn from guest industry teachers. The program will conclude with an evening of readings from the works in development.

The group will be convened by Tom Peach, the 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. 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.

For more information, visit southcoastwriters.org/playwrights-program

Merrigong is committed to supporting the development and presentation of the work of independent artists through new and established performance platforms and development opportunities.

Opportunities for independent artists / groups include:

• Presentation: funded and in-kind support for the production of new works with a presentation season

• Creative Development: funded and/or in-kind support for the development of new works with no immediate public outcome

• Development Showings: funded and in-kind support for the development of new works with a ‘work-in-progress’ public outcome

• Made From Scratch: our experimental scratch night of new work and new artists. Callouts for interested artists for our 2023 Made from Scratch series will be made throughout the year.

Artists and Companies with a connection to the Illawarra are encouraged to make an Expression of Interest through the MERRIGONGX application process. After consultation with the artists/groups, works are selected and curated by Merrigong’s artistic team, with the assistance of an external industry professional. Applications take place on an annual basis from July, with successful applicants informed in December.

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After the show, we’ll send you an email asking how much you want to pay. You choose the amount based on your experience and your circumstances. There is no minimum or maximum amount.

Our company’s name ‘Merrigong’ reflects the Dharawal word for the Illawarra region’s distinctive escarpment, a landmark of supreme cultural importance. This name serves as a constant reminder that our venues rest on unceded First Nations land.

In all that we do, Merrigong Theatre Company seeks to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, seas and skies, and to show respect to all First Nations people who call our region home.

Venues

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong

Wollongong Town Hall, Corner of Crown and Kembla Streets, Wollongong 93 Crown Street, Wollongong

Thank you

Merrigong Theatre Company's major funding partners

Reserve Your Spot - merrigong.com.au/merrigongx