About
The Blank Page Program is a research and development initiative designed to support playwrights who are currently working in or aspiring to enter the Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) space. This program provides both financial assistance and creative mentorship, enabling writers to nurture their ideas from initial pitch to a first draft script.
Barking Gecko Arts recognises that writing for young audiences requires a distinct skill set that demands dedication, guidance, and time, resources often in short supply. The Blank Page Program aims to bridge this gap by offering a small honorarium to a selected playwright alongside tailored creative support. Through this initiative, Barking Gecko Arts seeks to foster the development of a Western Australian playwright, encouraging the creation of new works that have the potential to be produced locally, nationally, and internationally.
Barking Gecko Arts is eager to collaborate with writers passionate about creating meaningful, imaginative, and engaging work for young audiences. Ideal candidates will be open to exploring new ways of working and willing to approach the creative process with courage, generosity, and joy.
For the selected playwright, the honorarium is intended to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with dedicating time to writing, while also providing structure, motivation, and creative momentum through clearly defined goals and deadlines. Creative support will be offered through meetings and notes sessions with Barking Gecko Arts’ Artistic Director and Production Team.
At the conclusion of the program, all content created and intellectual property rights will remain with the playwright. Barking Gecko Arts will, however, retain the first right of refusal to produce the premiere season of the play.
