Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble

The Arts Unit in association with the Australian Theatre For Young People is pleased to announce the formation of the new Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble.

 

The Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble will begin in Term Three, 2009.  It will provide:

 

• A structured program to develop skills in writing through ongoing workshops and mentorship
• An opportunity for young writers to develop a range of scripts for public reading and performance
• An opportunity for young writers to collaborate with directors, actors and other writers
• A pathway to the Fresh Ink program as well as other opportunities for emerging writers for the stage.

 

The Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble will provide learning opportunities for young playwrights to engage in activities that will allow them to develop skills necessary for the theatre.  These activities will also assist students in their individual and group devised performances within the Drama Syllabus and for writing in other subjects such as English.

Activities

The ensemble will meet on a weekly basis and be involved with practical writing exercises with specific goals.  Participants will also be involved in more detailed workshops with professional writers.  Their works will lead to a rehearsed reading in front of an invited audience.  The targeted skills will include the ability to realise the effective handling of dramatic elements, the development of clear dramatic action and its effectiveness as a script for an audience and for actors.  Other skills developed will be defining and developing a concept: its originality and clarity.  The stylistic and thematic coherence of a script, and the conventions and practicalities of writing for the theatre will also be explored.

Eligibility

Participation is only open to students who are currently in Years 9, 10 or 11 and attending a government school.

Regular Meeting Times and Venue

The Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble will meet every Tuesday afternoon from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm during Terms 3 and 4, 2009 and Term 1 2010.  Meetings will be at the Australian Theatre for Young People, Pier Four, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (nearest train station - Circular Quay).  The Ensemble's first meeting will be Tuesday 25 August 2009.

Cost

Participation fees for the Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble are $385.00 (includes GST) per student per annum.  Please do not send any money until you have been accepted into the Ensemble.

Selection Process

Interested students must download the Nomination Form using the link below.

 

Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble Nomination Form [.pdf 51 KB]

 

Completed Nomination Forms (plus the Script Writing task - see below) should be lodged at The Arts Unit no later than Monday 27 July 2009.

 

Short-listed students will be contacted by phone and invited to an interview with the Fresh Ink Young Writers Selection Panel on either Tuesday 4 August 2009 OR Wednesday 5 August 2009.  The time of the interview will be discussed with the applicant prior to the date chosen.  This informal interview will allow each student to discuss their Script Writing Task with the Selection Panel.  The interview will be of no more than ten minutes duration.

 

The successful students who are invited to become a member of the Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble will be notified by phone prior to the group's first meeting on Tuesday 25 August 2009.

Further Information

For further information concerning the Fresh Ink Young Writers Ensemble, please contact Paul Viles, Drama Coordinator at The Arts Unit on 02 8512 1175 (email  Paul.Viles@det.nsw.edu.au ), or Lachlan Philpott, Education Manager, Australian Theatre for Young People on 02 9270 2407 ( email lachlan@atyp.com.au )