The New Plot Writers Award Announces People's Choice Cash And Industry Prizes For Season Of Plays

The New Plot, developed by 107 and Actor's Centre Australia is thrilled to announce 2 People's Choice prizes to the already bursting treasure trove available to the 6 shortlisted playwrights whose scripts will be performed in a special 2 week season at 107 in March and April.

Launched in September of last year by Emmy Award nominee and New Plot ambassador, Gale Edwards, The New Plot Writers Award is passionate about bringing new Australian stories to the stage by developing the talent that makes them possible. The New Plot panel of industry experts Dean Carey, Philip Quast and Stephen Sewell has selected 6 finalists from 65 submissions from all over Australia to make up the shortlist of plays that will now be staged for the general public. The 6 plays will be presented in 2 groups of 3 shows each on alternating nights. Directors Adam Cook and TRoy Harrison will work with a newly formed company of 8 Actors Centre Australia graduates to bring each of these new stories from the page to the stage.

The New Plot season of plays seeks to bring new, Australian stories to the stage and create opportunities and support for local playwrights to achieve their creative dreams. Each of the 6 shortlisted plays in the season are unexpected, unconventional, risk-taking works that represent the diversity of Australia through rich and engaging text. Audiences are invited to enjoy 107 and The New Plot with the bar open from 4pm with music, drinks and dumplings, and the ever-popular rooftop garden will be open for audience members from 6pm.

In addition to the amazing prizes already on offer for the winning script, two People's Choice Awards have now been announced. People's Choice Awards will be given across all 10 performances with audiences encouraged to vote for their favourite play and performer. The favourite play will receive $1,000, the favourite performer will receive $1,000 worth of rehearsal/performance space at 107.

The New Plot winning playwright will receive:

• $10,000 cash

• One-on-one time with the panel members to learn from the skills of Industry leaders

• a 4 week artists residency at The Bundanon Trust

• Actor Marcus Graham and Playwright Tommy Murphy will offer their services to the playwright and cast

• a professional cinematic audio production of the play by AFTRS for radio and online broadcast

• featured in the 107 Presents 2018 program with a full 3 week season with rehearsal time, development space and an industry night.

The New Plot season of plays is a chance for lucky Sydney audiences to get a taste of some of the best, new scripts? coming from all corners of the country and play a part in making the dreams of some very talented writers a reality.

Directors

Adam Cook (Artistic Director State Theatre of South Australia 2005 - 2012)

TRoy Harrison (co-creator and artistic director of Workhorse Theatre)

The New Plot Top 6 Shortlist

Group A;

Christine Davey - 'The Last Tiger' VIC | Katie Pollock - 'The Becoming' NSW | Sarah Doyle - 'Don't Tell Indi' NSW

Group B:

Diane Stubbings - 'Entangled' VIC | Steve McCall - 'Safekeeping' NSW | Zachary Sheridan - 'Head Case' WA