Over the last few years there has been an explosion of new work across Sydney’s independent stages. As the quality and quantity of the sector grows more and more original voices are beginning their careers at independent venues like KXT, where they benefit from the support of a dedicated and local artistic community. Not only is the creation of this work absolutely vital in it’s own right; in creating an original, local and contemporary voice for our theatre but it also serves as a launchpad for the next generation of major playwrights. Mainstage companies simply do not have the space available to program and support the amount of writing talent that is emerging in Sydney and the independent sector is vital in nurturing this talent. However the lean and streamlined workflow of an independent production can be an unforgiving process for emerging artists, with little formal support between an idea and a first presentation.

After a break in 2022 and 2023, bAKEHOUSE and Montague Basement are teaming up to bring back The Laboratory for 2024, a writer’s circle program for developing work, peer networking and dramaturgical support. The Laboratory seeks to mirror many of the opportunities provided by mainstage programs and drama schools but with a focus on the particular demands of the independent sector as well as nurturing the wonderful artists that finds themselves on the out of these programs.

Whether you’ve written and presented many works, are transitioning from acting or writing for another medium or have just begun to scribble notes in your bedroom we want to hear from you.

The Laboratory will take the form of a fortnightly meeting between participants as well as extra dramaturgical support from the program’s leader Saro Lusty-Cavallari. These meetings will be an opportunity to share work, develop, ask for help and support each other as we attempt to develop our practice.

The program will culminate in The Lab Report, a weekend of full length readings of each participants projects throughout the year.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• This program is targeted at early career playwrights with a small body of writing behind them.

• Playwrights who have written short pieces but never a full length work are eligible.

• Artists moving from another theatre practice (e.g. acting) or writers moving from prose/poetry are eligible.

• Please submit stageplay samples only. Film scripts, poems and prose are not eligible sample material.

• This program is open to only eligible to artists based in greater Sydney. In person attendance is strongly encouraged.

• Artists submitting should be willing to commit to fortnightly in person meetings between May 2024 and February 2025.

• Please contact montaguebasement@gmail.com for any questions you may have.

• Submissions close 5pm Monday 15 April