PLAY DEVELPMENT PROGRAMME ASSOCIATE PLAYWRIGHTS
We are seeking 12 playwrights who have a strong idea for a new work to be part of the 2024 cycle (August to December) of Associate Playwrights within The Market Theatre’s Play Development Programme.
The Associate Playwrights initiative is designed for entry to mid-career playwrights to practice their craft, meet regularly as a collective, and receive input and masterclasses from seasoned mentors. As an Associate Playwright, you will work on your play idea with The Market Theatre’s Artistic Director in a supportive environment created to enable the completion of a new play that will then be considered for production.
This 2024 cycle of Associate Playwrights will be selected on merit. We are open to receiving applications from anywhere in South Africa, from all backgrounds, ages (above 18), and South African language groups.
To meet the minimum criteria for entry you must fulfil at least one of the following requirements:
- Have had a full-length play of yours produced in a professional theatre setting.
- Have graduated from a playwriting programme at post-graduate level.
- Have received recognition for your playwrighting work, such as an award, grant or residency.
- Have had success at a community theatre level with your playwrighting.
To apply, you will need complete an application form along with the submission of the following documents:
- A one-page synopsis of the play idea you would like to work with in this programme.
- A writing sample of no more than 6 pages (ideally an extract from a play of yours).
Applications should be submitted online by no later than Sunday 2 June 2024.
Successful applicants will be notified by no later than Monday 1 July 2024. They will be expected to commit to the programme from August to December 2024. This will include:
- attending weekly evening meetings on a Tuesday from 6pm – 8:30pm starting 6 August to mid-October (10 weeks) facilitated by The Market’s Artistic Director. These meetings will be held at The Market. Participants can attend virtually, if necessary.
- submitting a maximum of 2 drafts to an allocated mentor who will provide feedback to assist in developing their plays.
- attending masterclasses to be scheduled in consultation with the group.
This is an exciting opportunity for playwrights to advance their current playwrighting work while being part of a dynamic and supportive community of artists at The Market Theatre.