Prairie Theatre Exchange has always been, and continues to strive to be, a “home” for theatre artists – a place where new ideas can be explored, and creativity can be supported and encouraged.  This year, PTE formed a Playwrights Unit and invited local playwrights to apply to join.  The successful applications were chosen by a committee comprised of several members of the theatre community, headed by PTE Artistic Director Bob Metcalfe, and are a mix of new and established playwrights who encompass a broad range of personal experience:  Joseph Aragon, Sharon Bajer, Rick Chafe, Tricia Cooper, James Durham, Jason Neufeld and Ellen Peterson.

Between March 2007 and May 2009 (two theatre seasons), these seven artists will be actively engaged in writing a script (not necessarily one that would be suitable for PTE) and act as a support group, supplying feedback on each others’ work.  Prairie Theatre Exchange has set aside a newly-decorated (just for them) office where members can find a quiet place to work, or to think.  PTE will also host the feedback meetings, provide readings and workshops when appropriate, act as an advocate for the members’ work, and, most importantly, provide access to all the resources at PTE, from printing and photocopying to advice from the General Manager on grant-writing.

PTE feels that this is a win-win situation – the lifeblood of theatre in this community (the playwrights) are given the opportunity to pursue their craft with encouragement and support, and PTE is able to more fully realize our goal to foster the creation of theatre and to nurture theatre artists.  And having artists around the office all the time is an extra bonus!