Early Sessions (Script Development Program)

Part of our annual submission process (Open September/October) we invite writers to submit scripts for either production by TRS and/or development by TRS as part of our Early Sessions program - (usually a script accepted for production will go through the Early Sessions process before production anyway).

Launched in 2005 the ‘Early Sessions’ is the TRS development wing focused on new Australian writing and performance. TRS develop works over an eighteen-month period at the Old Fitzroy Theatre through readings, workshops and dramaturgy. In the past works have also been developed with TRS in association with Hot House Theatre’s ‘A Month in the Country’ and through our association and close relationship with key-organisation Playwriting Australia (PWA). We are a small organisation so places are limited.

But, where scripts are unable to be taken on by TRS as part of the program we now offer writers who have submitted scripts only (i.e. no cast/crew attached) dramaturgical notes on the script.

The ‘Early Sessions’ has been extremely successful with critically acclaimed productions of Thrall by Sue Smith, Capture the Flag by Toby Schmitz and The Last Great Roadhouse in Paradise by John AD Fraser all developed, produced and performed at the Old Fitzroy Theatre through this process in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 both Smith’s In the Violet Time and Rock, Paper, Scissors by John AD Fraser were selected as part of the Play Writing Australia National Play Festival.

Submissions will open mid September.