Following the success of the initial SEEDS new writing programme, Rough Magic is pleased to announce details of SEEDS II. Building on the strengths of the previous programme, SEEDS II is a new and expanded initiative which will not only continue to foster new playwriting talent, but will also, for the first time, offer emerging directors the opportunity to participate in a parallel programme.
THE PROGRAMMES
The Writers:
• Each writer will receive a commission to deliver an original play over the course of the programme.
• Each writer will be paired with an experienced director of new writing, who will mentor the writer throughout the programme.
• The three writers will also receive support and feedback from Rough Magic’s Literary Department.
• The three scripts will be developed through a rigorous process involving one-on-one script meetings, workshops led by the mentor director and private internal readings.
• An extended commission period will allow greater access to actors and to workshop methods.
• The three writers will be assisted in applying for travel bursaries to experience the work of foreign companies and more diverse theatre practices.
The Directors:
• Similar to the writing programme, each director will be paired with an experienced mentor director, chosen for their particular approach to theatre making.
• During the programme, each director will work as an assistant on two productions: once with Rough Magic and once to their mentor director in his/her home company/theatre.
• The directors will also be invited to observe other theatre directors and choreographers at work.
• In year one, subject to additional funding, each director will be invited to direct a rehearsed reading as part of Rough Magic’s on-going series of play readings. The mentor directors will be invited to observe the proceedings and provide a full appraisal after the event.
• At the end of year one, each director will outline an idea for production, based on his or her experience of the programme to date. This project will be developed during year two, with access to actors and designers in workshop situations.
• The three directors will be assisted in applying for travel bursaries to experience the work of foreign companies and more diverse theatre practices.
• The three directors will be invited to join Rough Magic’s readers’ panel to assess unsolicited scripts and international plays under consideration.
The Seeds II Showcase:
• The Seeds II Showcase will take place during the 2005 Dublin Fringe Festival.
• Each of the three directors will be given a small production budget to cast, rehearse and stage their agreed production. During this time the mentor director will be available for advice and support.
• In the same venue, over one weekend, the three commissioned plays developed during Seeds II will be showcased in a series of rehearsed readings, directed by the individual mentors.
• Rough Magic will cover the full cost of the staged readings. The company will also cover PR, insurance and venue costs for all events during the Showcase and will provide administrative back-up to all three directors.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
Writers’ Programme:
SEEDS II is open to emerging writers only whose work has already been staged on a semi-professional, professional (including staged or rehearsed readings), student or fringe basis.
Writers will be chosen from Rough Magic’s on-going script submission programme. As a result, those writers who have already submitted work to the company in the past three years (including the first Seeds programme) are automatically considered and need not re-apply.
Other writers wishing to be considered for the project should submit the following:
1. One example of previous writing for the stage (Screenplays or radio plays will not suffice).
2. A CV detailing writing experience and production history (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur).
3. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt.
4. A large SAE for the return of the script if required.
Directors’ Programme:
As with the writers’ programme SEEDS II is open to emerging directors only who have staged work on a semi-professional, professional (including staged or rehearsed readings), student or fringe basis.
Directors wishing to be considered for the project should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing directing experience and production history (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur).
2. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent directing project. The outline should address the following areas: A brief description of the project, its creative personnel, artistic ambition and a self-assessment and analysis of the outcome of the project.
3. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Writers’ programme: before 5pm on Wednesday 24th March to:
Seeds II (ref ‘Writers’)
Rough Magic Theatre Company
5-6 South Great George’s Street
Dublin 2
Short-listed writers will be required to attend an interview in Dublin in the week beginning 12th April. Interview candidates will be notified by 8th April. Writers attending an interview will be asked to present a one-page outline of an idea for a new play.
Directors’ programme: before 5pm on Wednesday 31st March to:
Seeds II (ref ‘Directors’)
Rough Magic Theatre Company
5-6 South Great George’s Street
Dublin 2
Short-listed directors will be required to attend an interview in Dublin in the week beginning 12th April. Interview candidates will be notified by 8th April.
For further information please email info@rough-magic.com
SEEDS II is supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon
Posted on: 9/3/2004