PAGE TO STAGE is an intensive six-month dramaturgical program offered every year by Melbourne Writers’ Theatre. Submissions open on 1st March and close on 30th April. Four MWT playwrights are supported through this program. Between June and November, these playwrights meet regularly with their partnering dramaturges to develop their scripts through a process of collaboration and redrafting. The scripts then receive workshopping in The October Workshops and final polishing at The November Rehearsals prior to public presentation in The Stage Door Readings.
In 2024, this weekend showcase event was held from 16th – 17th November at Theatre Works. This event provided an opportunity for the PAGE TO STAGE playwrights to see their new scripts brought to life by actors in front of a live audience, and to share these new scripts with friends, fans and the theatre-loving public. Click here to view the program for The Stage Door Readings 2024.
For an overview of the 2024 program, and an event summary and photos from The Stage Door Readings, click here.
To read about the 2024 participating playwrights and dramaturgs, click here.
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Submissions for PAGE TO STAGE 2025
open on 1st March and close on 30th April.
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If you have a new, unproduced full-length play
that would benefit from further development,
you are welcome to submit it for consideration in
P A G E T O S T A G E 2 0 2 5.
The Entry Form takes approx. 30 minutes to complete.
At Question 9 you will be asked to upload your script as a pdf.
Please note that your script should adhere to a standard play format
as outlined on p3 of the APT style guidelines.
Your name must not appear anywhere on your script.
To complete the Entry Form,
please click on the image below
E N T R Y F O R M
Or click here.
Queries? Email melbournewriterstheatre@gmail.com
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Thank you for your submission.
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Actor Clarisse Bonello with playwright Hannah Flannery,
and Hannah’s script ‘Katabasis’ (Page to Stage 2024)
TIMELINE for the 2025 PROGRAM
STAGE 1: Selection April
Submitted scripts are sent to our 2024 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 2nd draft to Dramaturge July
Using feedback received at the Meeting, the playwright completes and submits a 2nd draft of their script.
STAGE 5: Feedback from Dramaturge July
The dramaturge provides feedback on the 2nd draft.
STAGE 6: Playwright submits 3rd draft to Dramaturge August
The playwright completes and submits a 3rd 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 on 4th & 5th October – attended by playwrights, dramaturges, directors and actors.
STAGE 9: The November Rehearsals November
A closed rehearsal of the final scripts on 8th & 9th November, in preparation for The Stage Door Readings.
STAGE 10: Playwright submits 4th 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 Sat 15th & Sun 16th November.