The Blank Page: Pilot Program
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.
Program Stages
Playwrights are invited to submit a one-page pitch outlining their idea, accompanied by a statement explaining their motivation for writing specifically for the TYA space and their curriculum vitae, to Barking Gecko Arts. One selected pitch will progress to Stage 2.
- Applications Open: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Applications Close: Friday, 30 May 2025
- Applicants Notified: Friday, 6 June 2025
- Program Begins: Monday, 16 June 2025
- Treatment Due: Monday, 21 July 2025
- Dramaturgical Bible & First Draft Script: Friday, 12 September 2025
- Industry Reading: W/C Tuesday, 30 September 2025 (TBC)
*All dates will be set to close of business.
Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be assessed.
The selected playwright will develop a Treatment, which includes a five-page prose summary detailing the story from beginning to end, as well as a justification of theatrical choices and styles used.
- Timeline: 4 weeks
- Support: Up to two notes sessions with Barking Gecko Arts’ Artistic Director during development and one notes session upon completion.
- Honorarium: $1,000
The playwright will develop a Dramaturgical Bible and a First Draft Script. The Dramaturgical Bible includes several key components to support the development of the play. The Play Overview outlines the title, synopsis, premise, themes, and target audience. Structure & Narrative Elements provide a breakdown of the story arc, plot structure, genre, style, core conflict, resolution, and key takeaways. The Character Breakdown details character profiles and their developmental arcs. World & Theatrical Considerations explore the setting, time period, imagery, theatrical devices, and technical requirements. The Artistic Vision Statement articulates the playwright’s intentions, connection to the audience, and key inspirations or influences. Finally, if applicable, the Research & Context section provides historical or cultural background and explains the work’s relevance to TYA.
- Play Overview – title, synopsis, premise and themes, target audience.
- Structure & Narrative Elements – story arc, plot breakdown, genre and style, conflict, resolution and takeaway.
- Character Breakdown – character profiles and arcs.
- World & Theatrical Considerations – setting and time-period, imagery, theatrical devices, and technical considerations.
- Artistic Vision Statement – playwright’s intentions, connection to the audience and inspirations and influences.
- Research & Context (if applicable) – historical or cultural background and relevance to TYA.
- Timeline: 8 weeks
- Support: Up to three notes sessions with Barking Gecko Arts’ Artistic Director, up to two discussions with the production team, and one notes session upon completion.
- Honorarium: $4,000
- Industry Reading: opportunity for participants to engage with the work in a professional setting, offering valuable insights and feedback to support the scripts development.
Outcome
At the conclusion of the program, the playwright will have developed a Treatment, Dramaturgical Bible, and a completed First Draft of a new work. Barking Gecko Arts will have the first right of refusal to produce the play; however, participation in the program does not guarantee a production. If Barking Gecko Arts chooses not to produce the work, the playwright will be well-positioned to pitch it to other producers or pursue self-production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both emerging and established playwrights who are interested in writing for TYA are eligible to apply.
No. The pilot phase of the program is only open to Western Australian residents.
Playwrights must submit an idea specifically suited to the TYA space. The target audience is between 0-18 years, and works should be designed to engage, inspire, and resonate with young audiences.
No. At this stage, the program only supports individual playwrights.
No. Playwrights may only submit one pitch per application cycle.
The program provides:
- A total Honorarium of $5,000 ($1,000 for Stage 2 and $4,000 for Stage 3).
- Creative mentorship from Barking Gecko Arts’ Artistic Director and Production Team.
- Structured deadlines to help develop the script from pitch to first draft.
- Industry Reading
Not necessarily. Participation in the program does not guarantee a production. However, Barking Gecko Arts will have the first right of refusal to stage the completed work.
Only one playwright will be selected for the pilot phase. If the program continues, we aim to expand opportunities for more playwrights in future rounds.
Yes. The playwright retains full ownership of their work, including all intellectual property rights.
Applicants will be informed of the selection decision by Friday, 6 June 2025. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, Barking Gecko Arts is unable to provide tailored feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your one-page pitch, motivation statement, and CV here by Friday, 30 May 2025, to be considered for The Blank Page: Pilot Program.
For further questions, please contact Natalie Di Risio, Senior Producer at natalie.dirisio@barkinggecko.com.au.