Artscape is delighted to announce a public call for applications for all theatre and performing arts makers and exciting story-tellers who would be interested in the staging of new work for our 2018 New Voices season to be staged in October 2018.
Scriptwriters and storytellers are invited to submit their texts (or a concept or a synopsis), or even invite us to a showcase/teaser of the work.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
– South African and African content by South Africans/Africans;
– Only Western Cape-based individuals may submit applications;
– Only new work that has not yet been performed anywhere, may be submitted;
– Works may be submitted in English, Isi-Xhosa or Afrikaans, or a combination of the three;
– All submitted work may only have FOUR to SIX performers;
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO:
- A theatrical story of national significance to South Africa/Africa: this is a broad spec, so be guided by what you feel is of relevance to our country/this city;
- Work that aims to reclaim and restore marginalised aesthetics, content and language in arts and performances;
- Stories that deal with issues of a social, cultural, heritage, identity, gender or language nature, reflecting our diverse society;
- Work that aims to reclaim and restore dignity and confidence to individuals and communities that have been disregarded and under-represented.
- Work that adds something new and fresh to the theatrical landscape.
The closing date for application is Wednesday 28 February 2018.
Interested applicants may forward their short (no more than one) resumé and proposal to Amanda Mankayi via email: amandam@artscape.co.za with the subject line: APPLICATION: NEW VOICES 2018.
PLEASE NOTE: A completed application will have a one-page resumé with contact details and referees as well as the text, concept, synopsis or an invitation to view an excerpt.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Q: What do you mean when you say “NEW VOICES”?
A: A “NEW VOICE” is a text written by either an established writer who has written and been published and/or produced before. OR, it could be an aspiring first-time writer who wants to “break into” the industry. What is important is that your “NEW VOICE” will add something original, innovative and fresh to the theatrical landscape.
Q: What exactly may I submit?
A: You may submit ONE of the following:
- A completed text – PREFERRED;
- A synopsis of the text (with a sample of the quality of the writing) which, if shortlisted, will have to be “pitched” to a panel of judges;
- An invitation to view a performance of the text or an excerpt of the text, where Artscape will evaluate its worth against other applicants.
Q: In what format should the text be submitted?
A: It should be a printable “Word” or “PDF” document sent in an e-mail. OR, it may be in hard copy format, delivered to the Inclusive Arts Department at Artscape.
Q: How long should the text be?
A: The text should ideally be between 25 and 35 pages long…it will become a one-act production that comfortably fits into about an hour, in one sitting.
Q: Are there any specific “restrictions” I should be aware of?
A: As mentioned in the call for applications, your submission may only have between 4 and 6 performers, and should be a world premiere. There are no restrictions as to the content, but preference will be given to fresh, new, innovative content that is relevant to the building and restoration of our country. Content should at the very least leave
audiences with “food for thought”. Remember: it is a NEW VOICES programme…
Q: What happens to my text once submitted to NEW VOICES?
A: The text will be assigned a registration number, the writer’s name will be removed and the text will then be reviewed – anonymously – by an independent panel of readers, and a shortlist will be made. Only at the shortlist stage will writers be revealed to the readers.
Q: What happens should my text be shortlisted?
A: Once shortlisted, the writer will be invited to a meeting to “pitch” their production and for the panel of readers to “meet” the writer. After that meeting the final selection will be made. Artscape will assign a director by mid-April and you and your director will be in constant contact between April and October (which will be the production month). A contract will be drawn up between Artscape and yourself explaining all the terms and conditions.
Q: What happens if I am NOT shortlisted?
A: If your text is not selected you will be informed via e-mail and you may collect the hard copy from Artscape, if you so wish.
Q: What are time frames from page to stage, and what happens during this time?
A: You are expected to be available to work very closely with the assigned director to develop the text for stage-readiness between April and October 2018. You will be consulted regarding cast choices, stage and poster design etc.
Q: Do I pay anything, like an application fee or do I pay anything towards production costs?
A: There is no application fee. It is open to anyone interested in submitting. Artscape pays for all the production costs, including posters, marketing, cast and crew, venue etc.
Q: Is there a development aspect to this process?
A: Yes. You will have to attend a series of three workshops and/or master classes between May and July that speak to text development, conversations between directors, writers and cast, as well as understanding the media and the theatre industry as a whole.
GOOD LUCK!