Playwrights' Masterclass

Led by Simon Stephens as part of The Masterclass Project 2026, ATC will host an intensive masterclass for mid-career playwrights, which has been co-designed with New Zealand playwright, actor and director Jason Te Kare (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui). 

Expressions of Interest for the playwright’s masterclass, for which there are strictly limited places, open on XX December 2025. Keen participants need to submit their expressions of interest via the form below. Playwrights traveling from outside Tāmaki Makaurau can access full travel support. 

We are looking for eight early to mid-career theatre playwrights ready to expand their professional practice within a producing-company environment.

ATC invites applications from mid-career Aotearoa playwrights who are:

  • Actively writing for the stage, with at least one professionally produced full-length play.
  • Developing a clear craft and dramaturgical identity.
  • At a stage where expanding artistic ambition would be transformative.
  • Ready to engage deeply in a collaborative, conversational environment
  • Available for all three days of the workshop.
  • Based anywhere in Aotearoa (with travel support available).
  • Over 18.

We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Three full days with Simon Stephens.
An opportunity to work at close range with a leading international playwright and a major Aotearoa voice.

A workshop designed specifically for Aotearoa practitioners.
Reflecting the cultural, artistic and dramaturgical contexts of this place.

Full travel support.
For selected playwrights traveling from outside Tāmaki Makaurau.

Access to the wider week of Masterclass Project events.
Including the Writers Reception and public performance of Sea Wall on 21 February.

Connection to peers and sector leaders.
Creating networks that extend beyond the week itself.

A supported space for reflection and artistic growth.

Participants will also be asked to provide a short written or video reflection following the masterclass.

[EMBED HERE]

The Masterclass Project is made possible through the support of generous backing of private donors Peter Macky and Cynthia Braithwaite, and funding from the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.