As we wrap up the year, the APT team wanted to share some quick updates and highlights of 2024 before the summer break.
We recently completed the SA Developing the Dramaturg project, led by the brilliant Dani Lim. This initiative brought together emerging dramaturgs with extraordinary minds, adding depth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to the new playwriting community.
We will wrap up our first year of Playwrights’ Groups on the 23rd of December. I have been privileged to get to know these twenty playwrights and their work on a deeper level. The range of ideas, passion and – most importantly – the generosity of peer support has been incredible. It keeps me hopeful that when we write together, we all rise together.
We’ll return to the office and online in mid-January with exciting announcements about our 2025 programs and services in February.
We look forward to supporting, sharing, and singing the praises of Australia’s new plays and playwrights in the new year.
Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating break.
—Erin Taylor
CEO
Final Program Updates for 2024
Playwrights Groups
Our playwrights’ groups forged new peer networks with tremendous respect and generosity in its first year as a pilot program. Each group chose their path: reading each others’ plays, offering feedback, discussing meaty craft and industry topics, and showing up for themselves and each other each fortnight.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for sharing their stories and passion. This program was expertly led by industry greats Wesley Enoch and Anthea Williams, whose guidance and insight were invaluable throughout the journey.
First Nations Retreat
Our Australian First Nations Retreat at Bundanon was a powerful space for storytelling, development, and connection. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and made it a success. The range of playwrights from across the country – both experienced and emerging – the guidance of the wonderful Dramaturgs, and the abundant wombats made it (once again) a place to step away from our busy lives and write.
Photo: Sian Murphy
Wanderings:championing new works
When I arrived at APT in early 2022, the co-commission from APT and Pride Foundation Australia had just been awarded to Zac Callaghan and Dr. Margi Ash Brown. We were thrilled to see this project land on stage at Queensland Theatre Company in November, as part of the Door 3 program, to resounding praise.
Photo: Jen Dainer
Photo: Jen Dainer
This is a powerful reminder that high-quality, artist-led work requires sustained investments of time and resources from multiple organisations. The Wanderings team have worked tirelessly and consistently on this project, and their efforts are a testament to what collaboration and commitment can achieve.
Looking Ahead to 2025
When to Look Out for Our 2025 Season Launch
We’re excited to share our 2025 program with you. Keep an eye on your inbox, coming in late February.
Tasmanian Theatre Council Awards
APT proudly supports the Best New Writing award at the Tasmanian Theatre Awards. The 2025 Tasmanian Theatre Awards will be held in Launceston at the Princess Theatre on Saturday, 22nd February 2025. Look out for the announcement of the winner.
In need of some summer surveys?
Are you published by us?
Including Australian Plays/Australian Script Centre: we’d love to hear from you! Updating your details helps us better understand and map the range of writers in our catalogue. This will help us plan for the future of the APT catalogue.
We’re looking for passionate readers to join our 2025 pool. We assemble panels of expert, independent artists for each program we run. All work is paid. If you’re keen to help shape the future of new Australian plays, express your interest here:
Office Closure Dates
Our office will be closed from 20th December as we recharge and prepare for a big 2025. We’ll be back and ready to dive in on 20th January 2025.
And finally… thank you!
To our community of playwrights, theatre companies, and supporters – thank you for all your passion, time and expertise.
We can’t wait to see you in 2025.
—The APT Team of 2024
Erin Taylor
Hannah Crane
Marie-Jo Orbase
Sian Murphy
Dani Lim
Lauren Scott-Young
Zoe Hogan
Sam Booth
APT believes in a world made more just, curious, and enjoyable by Australian plays.
We acknowledge that we live and create on unceded lands. We pay our respects to the First Peoples of Australia, and to their elders past, present and future.
