Q.What kind of plays is the ATC Literary looking for?CloseA.
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.
Q.How should I submit my script?CloseA.
Scripts should ideally be submitted as hard copies by mail to
ATC Literary, Auckland Theatre Company, PO Box 96002, Balmoral,
Auckland 1342. We may occasionally accept scripts by email but
please check before sending.
Q.How long will I need to wait for a decision on my submission?CloseA.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.
Q.How can I get a script commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company?CloseA.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.
Q.Who will read my script when I submit it to ATC Literary?CloseA.
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.
Q.What is the process if my script is selected for development?CloseA.
Eight scripts are chosen each year to receive intensive two day
workshops and public readings. These are held monthly from March
to September. 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.
Q.What is The Next Stage?CloseA.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.