What kind of plays is the ATC Literary Unit looking for?
New, unproduced plays by New Zealand writers with the potential to stand beside the world’s best in an Auckland Theatre Company mainbill season. Auckland Theatre Company is committed to staging a broad range of classic dramas and comedies as well as challenging and entertaining new plays from New Zealand and around the world. New Zealand content commonly makes up 40 – 60 percent of our programming. Please note that we do not generally produce plays for children.
My play may not be suitable for full production in the larger venues ATC performs in. Will you still consider my play?
Yes. ATC Literary Unit is happy to consider plays which may later be produced elsewhere. The development work that we do is often of value to other theatre companies that may not have the resources to develop scripts.
How should I submit my script?
Scripts should ideally be submitted as hard copies by mail to The Literary Unit, Auckland Theatre Company, PO Box 105-941 Auckland City. We may occasionally accept scripts by email but please check before sending.
How long will I need to wait for a decision on my submission?
We aim to respond within three months but decisions may sometimes take longer. Please be patient. Our focus is largely on developing commissioned scripts and the work of known writers who are of interest to the company. Scripts submitted by established writers are likely to be read ahead of unsolicited works by writers unknown to us.
How can I get a script commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company?
We are only likely to commission scripts from established playwrights with a proven production record or (rarely) writers who have proven themselves in other fields e.g. film and television. Occasionally we approach writers directly and ask them to pitch script ideas to us from which we select projects to commission. Alternatively we may commission writers to work on specific projects originated by the company. Commissions occur irregularly and the commissioning of a script by Auckland Theatre Company is not a guarantee that it will be produced.
Who will read my script when I submit it to ATC Literary Unit?
Currently all scripts are read by Auckland Theatre Company’s Literary Manager. Scripts of interest may be passed on to Colin McColl, the Artistic Director or other Company members. Other theatre professionals (directors, dramaturges etc) are occasionally employed to read and advise on scripts.
Will the ATC Literary Unit provide detailed feedback on my script even if it is not selected for development?
Generally, no. ATC Literary Unit does not have the resources to offer a full script advisory service. We recommend the service provided by Playmarket. For more information, visit the Playmarket website.
What is the process if my script is selected for development?
Eight scripts are chosen each year to receive intensive two day workshops and public readings. These are held monthly from March to November (with the exception of May when our THE NEXT STAGE season operates instead). The best available actors and directors are hired to work with the writers in shaping and rehearsing the plays prior to their presentation to a non-paying audience of Auckland Theatre Company supporters and interested public. The readings are followed by a short feedback session. Writers are paid for their involvement in the workshop process.
What is The Next Stage?
Three plays are chosen each year to receive further workshopping over two weeks prior to presentation as semi-staged readings. THE NEXT STAGE workshops are intended to give writers the opportunity to edit, re-write or re-shape their scripts with the involvement of professional casts, directors and script advisors. THE NEXT STAGE presentations are usually more developed than playreadings and may include limited production elements such as sound, lighting, costumes etc. Actors generally perform script-in-hand but may be required to learn part(s) of a script. Each presentation is followed by a discussion with the writer and feedback is invited from paying audiences of Auckland Theatre Company season pass holders and interested public. Writers are paid for their involvement in THE NEXT STAGE.
I am not a New Zealand writer but would like my work to be considered for production by Auckland Theatre Company. May I still submit my script?
We accept plays from established overseas writers with proven production histories but cannot promise to read or respond to overseas submissions. (You may like to enquire by email first to gauge our likely interest in a particular script).
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Email Philippa Campbell, Literary Manager
