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Applications are now open for playwrights to submit their script or theatre proposal to be in the running to receive a $10,000 cash prize and the honour of winning the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award. Applications close 29 October 2007. 
 
As Dr Seaborn explains “The purpose of the award is to encourage and support the development of material, which in dealing with the individual, family, social or environmental issues conveys an awareness or message of faith, hope and love.  It does not have to be religious.  It is hoped that the award could provide counterbalance to the negative or less salutary aspects of life so often focused on in contemporary theatre. In offering the award, attention will focus on product from artists requiring financial assistance to support some further development in the form of workshopping, production, restaging, publishing or touring.”
 
Last year’s winner DON REID received the $10,000 prize money for his play Codgers, a humorous, dignified play that put the mature Australian male on stage. Codgers had a workshop production at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta in March this year in association with Seniors Week and the NSW Department of Aging, Disability and Home Care. The cast included Henri Szeps, Ron Haddrick, Ronald Falk, Leslie Dayman, Brian Harrison and Jon Lam. A full touring production is planned for mid 2008.
 
This prestigious Award began when NIDA entered into a partnership with the Seaborn Broughton and Foundation, and welcomed Dr Seaborn as a Board Member & Life Governor. The SBW Foundation and NIDA continue to work together to assist in the training of young theatre professionals; to encourage new Australian work in theatre, film and television; to establish a substantial performing arts archive; and to provide research facilities to assist the entertainment industry.
 
The first winner of the Award was Antony Waddington for the adaptation of The Eye of the Storm by Patrick White. In 2002 the award was given to three writers: John Misto for Harp on the Willow, Alana Valentine for The Savage Grace; Stephanie McCarthy for Bird in a Camellia Tree. In 2003 it was awarded to Katherine Thomson for her critically acclaimed play Wonderlands. In 2004 Ros Horin’s powerful play Through the Wire received the award. In 2005 the honour went to Debra Oswald for The Peach Season.
 
Entries close 29 October 2007and must include a synopsis of the play plus two copies of the script and a statement on the intended use of the funds. There is an entry fee of $15. 
 
 
General enquiries: (02) 96977654
Post submissions to:
Ms CAROL MARTIN
Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation
NIDA/UNSW Sydney NSW 2052
Information: www.sbwfoundation.com