*Stage Two Program welcomes applications*
WINNIPEG, October 30, 2007 Manitoba Association of Playwrights (MAP) and Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE) are now accepting proposals for Stage Two 07/08, which will see up to six (6) emerging playwrights receive dramaturgical support from MAP Playwright in Residence Bruce McManus, whose latest work All Restaurant Fires Are Arson, premieres on the PTE stage in January 2008.
The Stage Two program targets emerging playwrights of any age who have already had a play work shopped or produced (high school, university, MAP¹s High School Playwriting Contest, PTE¹s PlayBlitz, Winnipeg Fringe, etc.) and are now looking for an opportunity to advance their writing.
Manitoba Association of Playwrights and Prairie Theatre Exchange have developed a specific program of dramaturgical mentoring and activity for the season. Candidates chosen for Stage Two will receive mentorship on their work at no fee. The aim is for participants to complete a draft of a new play by the middle of May 2008.
In addition to meeting and working with Bruce McManus between November 2007 and May 2008, the selected playwrights will participate in scene workshops of their draft with Chris Gerrard-Pinker as director, and observe some professional theatre activities at Prairie Theatre Exchange, such as rehearsals, playwrights¹ unit meetings and PTE performances.Each of the new works will be honed, and in May, the plays will be work shopped using professional directors and actors.
“What an exceptional opportunity for emerging playwrights in the community. The chance to work with a talent like McManus will give them the chance to work out any challenges they may have with their work and take their play to a higher level. The guidance and expertise of a mentor like Bruce can really help bring a budding playwright¹s greatest qualities into the open,” says John B. Lowe, Prairie Theatre Exchange School and Community Programs Director.
Playwrights interested in joining Stage Two are invited to submit their resume, 25 pages of previous or new work, they wish to pursue in the program, and a letter stating why they wish to participate. Submissions should be mailed or dropped off to MAP or PTE. No emailed submissions please. Due to the volume of applications only the individuals selected will be notified. Applications should be sent to the attention of Bruce McManus/Stage Two at either Prairie Theatre Exchange or Manitoba Association of Playwrights.
*NOTE: Meeting certain benchmarks will be required in order to participate in the Stage Two program. Much is up to the playwright as to how their time will be used, but a serious commitment is required.
PTE:
The Stage Two program targets emerging playwrights of any age who have already had a play work shopped or produced (high school, university, MAP¹s High School Playwriting Contest, PTE¹s PlayBlitz, Winnipeg Fringe, etc.) and are now looking for an opportunity to advance their writing.
Manitoba Association of Playwrights and Prairie Theatre Exchange have developed a specific program of dramaturgical mentoring and activity for the season. Candidates chosen for Stage Two will receive mentorship on their work at no fee. The aim is for participants to complete a draft of a new play by the middle of May 2008.
In addition to meeting and working with Bruce McManus between November 2007 and May 2008, the selected playwrights will participate in scene workshops of their draft with Chris Gerrard-Pinker as director, and observe some professional theatre activities at Prairie Theatre Exchange, such as rehearsals, playwrights¹ unit meetings and PTE performances.Each of the new works will be honed, and in May, the plays will be work shopped using professional directors and actors.
“What an exceptional opportunity for emerging playwrights in the community. The chance to work with a talent like McManus will give them the chance to work out any challenges they may have with their work and take their play to a higher level. The guidance and expertise of a mentor like Bruce can really help bring a budding playwright¹s greatest qualities into the open,” says John B. Lowe, Prairie Theatre Exchange School and Community Programs Director.
Playwrights interested in joining Stage Two are invited to submit their resume, 25 pages of previous or new work, they wish to pursue in the program, and a letter stating why they wish to participate. Submissions should be mailed or dropped off to MAP or PTE. No emailed submissions please. Due to the volume of applications only the individuals selected will be notified. Applications should be sent to the attention of Bruce McManus/Stage Two at either Prairie Theatre Exchange or Manitoba Association of Playwrights.
*NOTE: Meeting certain benchmarks will be required in order to participate in the Stage Two program. Much is up to the playwright as to how their time will be used, but a serious commitment is required.
PTE:
3rd Floor, Portage Place, Y300 393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
MAP:
MAP:
503 -100 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H3
Proposals must be received byFriday, November 24, 2007.
The selected candidates will be notified as soon as possible.
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For further information call John B. Lowe, Prairie Theatre Exchange School and Community Programs Director at 925-5252 or email education@pte.mb.ca.













