PAGE TO STAGE is an intensive six-month dramaturgical program offered by Melbourne Writers’ Theatre. From May – November 2023, four MWT playwrights will participate in Page to Stage 2023, each working in a one-on-one collaboration with an experienced dramaturge to further develop their new full-length script.
After a sustained period of dramaturgy and redrafting, each script is allocated to a director for workshopping in ‘The October Workshops’. Here they are workshopped by the playwright, director and haring with the public in the weekend showcase The Stage Door Readings. In 2023 The Stage Door Readings will be presented on 11th and 12th November. Each reading concludes with a Playwright Q&A. Audiences are invited to attend this showcase, and celebrate the birth of four new Australian plays.
Submissions for PAGE TO STAGE 2023
opened on Wednesday 1st March and closed on Sunday 30th April @ 11.59pm
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THANK YOU to all writers who submitted a script for PAGE TO STAGE 2023.
All writers will be notified of the selection outcome in mid-May,
and the Selection Report will be posted on this page.
PAGE TO STAGE 2023 will be administered with a grant from the Rodney Seaborn Playwriting Support Fund.
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of The Rodney Seaborn Foundation for this program.
TIMELINE for the 2023 PROGRAM
STAGE 1: Selection April
Submitted scripts are sent to our 2022 independent selector for reading, feedback and selection of scripts.
STAGE 2: Reading of scripts by Dramaturges May
Each playwright is paired with a dramaturge, with whom they will work closely on the further development of their script.
STAGE 3: Meeting between Playwright and Dramaturge June
The playwright and dramaturge meet for a one-on-one discussion of the script.
STAGE 4: Playwright submits 1st revised draft to Dramaturge July
Using feedback received at the Meeting, the playwright completes and submits a 1st revised draft of their script
STAGE 5: Feedback from Dramaturge July
The dramaturge provides feedback on the 1st revised draft.
STAGE 6: Playwright submits 2nd revised draft to Dramaturge August
The playwright completes and submits a 2nd revised draft of their script.
STAGE 7: Directors receive Scripts September
The scripts are sent to Directors, who cast and prepare them for reading at The October Workshops
STAGE 8: The October Workshops October
Closed workshopping of the scripts over four nights – attended by playwrights, dramaturges, directors and actors
3rd – 5th October 2022 6pm – 9pm each night
STAGE 9: The November Rehearsals November
A rehearsal of the final scripts, in preparation for The Stage Door Readings
6th – 9th November 2022 6pm – 9pm each night
STAGE 10: Playwright submits 3rd revised draft (‘final’ draft) to Dramaturge November
Based on feedback received from the Workshops and Rehearsals, the playwright completes a ‘final’ draft.
STAGE 11: THE STAGE DOOR READINGS November
The scripts are presented to audiences in rehearsed readings on 11th – 12th November 2023.
Below: Images from The Stage Door Readings 2022, presented at Theatre Works on 12th – 13th November.
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- Knife Edge – by Alison Campbell Rate
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- Mid-West Scouse – by Richard Mealey
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- Fucking Michigan – by Mag O’Brien
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- Only Human – by Louise Hopewell
