Emerging Writers Table

Every month we meet together and (you guessed it), sit around a table. That’s basically it.

We talk about our work and how the writing process is going. Writers Tables are an opportunity to share in the creative process alongside your peers. You’ll have the opportunity to share your progress, ask for feedback, listen to what’s working (or failing catastrophically!) and learn from one another's talents to inform your own. There will also be guest sessions with leading industry professionals, as well as regular guided discussions from Tāmaki Makaurau based dramaturg Dan Goodwin.

Nope! You can be an emerging writer at 15, 25 or 55! 

No. You do not have to write a children’s play. But you do have to write a full-length play for performers aged 16-25.

The work will be performed by the ATC Youth Company, and you should keep this in mind. Youth Company actors are more than capable of playing mature roles and working with big themes. They’re a talented bunch of young creatives who’ve auditioned to join the company. They can hold demanding work with skill, responsibility and rigour. 

Nope! We’re looking for passion, exciting ideas, and a desire to delve into playwriting over a long form and in-depth process. If you’re new to playwriting, tell us why the form excites you. If you’ve ventured into writing before but gotten scared off, let us know. More than anything we want to support emerging artists who are excited about the craft. We don’t want to let anything get in the way of your enthusiasm or potential. If you can show us you’re excited to write a play, then we’re excited to hear from you!

Preferably, yes. However we understand that 10 months is a long time, and that life happens. If there is anything you think would stop you from attending one or more of the sessions, please reach out to us and we’ll see what we can do!

Full length = ‘Complete’! 

As a guideline, we're looking to support works of substance, and the works should be at least 45 minutes in length.

A play is as long as it needs to be. Throughout the 10 months we’ll spend time focused on the editing process, looking at word economy, rhythm, and efficiency amongst other facets of shaping a script. Generally speaking however, every story needs its own amount of time to get from start to end. When a play feels ‘too long,’ it’s often not about the length, but instead how long it’s taken to get to the point!

We’re here to help you figure out the shape of that journey, no matter how long takes.

1. What you’ve written beforehand, including a title and a one sentence description. 

Include anything and everything. Songs, poems, that absurdist play you wrote when you were 10. What are you most proud of? What sort of worlds do you want to create?

2. Why you’re excited by playwriting.

What does it feel like when you’re in the zone? What does playwriting allow you to do or say like no other artform can? Or if you’re new to the form, why does it entice you? What makes you curious about playwriting? Got an idea you think can only be told on stage?

3. A synopsis of your idea. 

Try to get us as excited by the idea as you are. We’re not so much looking for what we think is the greatest, most creative idea. We’d much rather know what you think is fascinating. If you think your stamp collection is the *greatest thing on earth* and *definitely* needs a play written about it, let us know why!