Be in it to win it
Applications are open now for the Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award 2008. Playwrights should submit their scripts or theatre proposals to be in the running for the $15,000 prize.
The award is intended to assist writers who need some financial back up during the writing or development of a project, or to assist with the cost of producing, workshopping, restaging, publishing or touring. It is not intended as a prize for a finished work.
The award was instituted by the late Dr Rodney Seaborn in 1995 with the establishment of the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Trust. He wanted to encourage the writing of plays which emphasise positive values such as faith, hope and love, and to counter what Dr Seaborn saw as an undue emphasis on the negative aspects of life to be found in much contemporary theatre.
Recipients of the award include Antony Waddington for his adaptation of The Eye of the Storm by Patrick White.In 2002 the award was given to three writers: John Misto for Harp on the Willow, Alana Valentine for Savage Grace and Stephanie McCarthy for Bird in a Camellia Tree.In 2003 Katherine Thomson won with her critically acclaimed play, Wonderlands. Ros Horin received the award in 2004 to tour her powerful play, Through the Wire. Debra Oswald won in 2005 with The Peach Season, in 2006: Don Reid for Codgers and in 2007: Rosalba Clemente for Helly’s Magic Cup.
Entries close October 6, 2008 and must include a brief synopsis of the play plus two copies of the script and a statement on the intended use of the funds. Entry fee $20. General enquiries: (02) 9697 7654. Post your submission to Ms Carol Martin, Seaborn Broughton & Walford Foundation, NIDA/UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052. Email application forms from priscillayates@hotmail.com. Further information: www.sbwfoundation.com.
