Welcome to Fresh Ink
Fresh Ink is a programme of the Australian Theatre for Young People (atyp), which is based in Sydney.
Fresh Ink is for writers hungry for a career in theatre. The program helps you build skills and the confidence to step into the industry.
We match emerging writers with experienced mentors who help bring out your own voice. We also offer a range of writing workshops and residencies to meet other like-minded creatives and skill up. When your scripts are ready, we support you through creative development workshops and public readings to link you to other companies and artists in the theatre industry.
We identify, nurture and spotlight the next generation of Australian writers.
Fresh Ink is made possible through the generous support of The Graeme Wood Foundation. Additional support is given through the Cultural Fund of the Copyright Agency Limited.
There are THREE three distinct programmes:
Fresh Ink: 18-26
The Fresh Ink: 18-26 program involves seven Sydney writers in an eight-month program. Combining writing master classes, a mentorship, regular visits to theatre and participation in the National Studio writing residency, Fresh Ink 18-26 also offers opportunities to have your work seen on stage. The program ends with staged public readings of the work produced from the program, and introduces writers to the industry.
The line-up of participants for this year’s program has just been announced. They will be sharing their thoughts and their work on this blog as we go along so do keep coming back to the site.
Mentorship is the core of Fresh Ink: 18-26.
Established writers mentor Fresh Ink: 18-26 writers by guiding them through the writing process. Mentors provide advice on specific scripts and the wider industry, and can offer valuable input about managing your work and practice.
Fresh Ink National Studio
In December every, 11 promising young writers and theatremakers from across Australia join our Fresh Ink writers for a week-long feast of ideas, master classes, collaborative experimentation and sharing of stories. Three top Australian writing tutors inspire the mayhem.
Live-in residencies bring writers together for intense focus and rigorous exploration of their craft. While building skills, participants exchange ideas, develop networks and find inspiration away from the distractions of their lives.
I realised just how many voices exist around our large country, and the importance of (and excitement in) hearing these voices and perspectives on stage.
The Studio is held at Riversdale, NSW, part of the Bundanon Estate, a stunning property bequeathed to Australian artists by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd and a Mecca for inspiring creativity.
Work inspired by the Studio is presented in February, in a special showcase presentation.
Read 2010 participant Jessica Bellamy’s thoughts on the National Studio, here.
The call for participants for this year’s Studio is now open. Apply, here!
Fresh Ink 14-17
Fresh Ink 14-17 is for young writers aged 14-17 who come from Sydney Public Schools- a partnership with the NSW Department of Education Arts Unit.
Writers attend a weekly writing workshop in our dynamic theatre company in the middle of one of Australia’s largest arts precincts. They collaborate with leading theatre professionals. Fresh Ink 14-17 provides skills’ development, mentorship and a chance for writers to test out their scripts on the floor.
Participants meet each Tuesday between 5 and 7pm during school terms.
The program is open to any public school student in Years 9-11 from the Sydney metropolitan area. Students are selected on their ability to demonstrate potential as script writers and interest in participating and collaborating with artists and writers in the program.
The 2011 program has finished.
Come back to the site later in the year for details of how you can be involved in the 2012 program.
“Fresh Ink has had such a profound effect not just on how I write, but on my perception of theatre and the world. The connections I made with my teachers, tutors, industry professionals and fellow playwrights were also informative and illuminating. The course was, quite simply, a wonderful experience.” Clark Francis Jenkinson, Turramurra High School.
“Fresh Ink gave me a confidence in my work that I would never have found in a classroom.”
Ava Kaurso-Thorn Sydney Girls’ High School
“Fresh Ink was such a great experience – I learnt heaps and made some great friends.” Katie Humpreys, Fort Street High School
Contact Fresh Ink on atyp@atyp.com.au
Hi there, I’m a student doing my HSC and I am writing a melodrama for my Extension 2 Major Work. I am working on something related to the changing status of women, with a focus on the 1920′s Flapper figure.
For the project we need to find a mentor to oversee the works development.
I was just wondering if there is anyone out there who would be interested in helping me? I know its a big ask but the play only goes for 20 minutes and it would only require an email every week or so. I am mostly looking for someone who may be able to help me with the structure.
So if you are able to help me out, or know of anybody who may be interested please let me know.
Thanks,
Catherine