Developing and nurturing new Australian works of music theatre
The Be New Program 2023
We're changing things up in 2023 and using everything we've learned from our inaugural program to streamline our processes for a new year.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Writers
We're looking for writers with new musical theatre shows who would like to focus on evolving and developing their works through supportive, collaborative workshopping.
Your show might be a good fit if:
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You have a mostly completed show and want some feedback and the opportunity to work with performers to refine your work.
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Your show has had a small performance season but you want to continue to develop and iterate with a team of people who are invested in seeing your work evolve.
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You have a complete show, and want a critical review of your work to further polish and finesse it's characters, musical motifs, plot etc.
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Hard mode: You have part of a show or a framework, and are prepared to write a lot of new material in a short space of time. Shoot us an email if you want to chat through whether this is an option for you and how we might be able to support you.
Performers in Residence
A new feature of this year's program, we're looking for passionate performers who love new works to be part of our facilitation team. Our performers in residence will be equal voices in the workshop, and will provide unique performance-based insights throughout the program.
Our performers in residence will undertake all the reading and singing of the shows required each week, and provide feedback on the characters, plot, vocal ranges, ease of understanding and a multitude of other factors to help to guide the shows as they develop.
Our performers in residence will also be performing the new works at the showcase at the end of the workshop.
You might be a great performer in residence if you:
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Love everything about new musical theatre works
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Feel comfortable singing and reading new librettos
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Are excited by the opportunity to influence and contribute to amazing new shows
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Have unique ideas and perspectives
HOW IT WORKS
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Every week is allocated to one writer and their show. In this session, we deep dive into whatever material has been selected and explore its structure, adhearance to theatrical conventions and how it fits within the structure of the show as a whole.
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Each writer will have a team of performers in residence who learn and provide feedback on their specific show.
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The focus weeks will alternate, allowing writers and performers in residence enough time to process feedback, make changes or write new material before the next session.
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Everyone attends every week, even if it's not 'your week'. It's incredibly valuable to contribute to the work of others if you are a writer or performer yourself, and thinking critically about musical theatre structure and composition benefits your own understanding of your work.
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A final showcase will allow you to share the product of your hard work with family and friends, as well providing you with footage for use as part of a promotional showreel for the writers and performers.
THE TEAM
Harry Tibbals: An analyst at heart and a literal doctor during business hours, Harry brings a critical eye to the structure and thematic flow of musical theatre writing. A performer and champion baker, he supports a balanced and measured approach to writing.
Laura de Iongh: A performer, director, and choreographer, Laura's area of interest is in creating meaningful characters that connect with audiences. A psychology graduate, she incorporates her knowledge of human behaviour into her approach.
Daniele Buatti: A composer, music director, vocal coach, and kinesiologist, Daniele brings a holistic approach to music and storytelling. A teacher and mentor in every sense of the word, he brings a depth and bredth of knowledge to the program.
Dan Aguiar: A teacher, musician and musical director, Dan brings all the structure of the classroom alongside all the passion of the stage. His extensive work in musical theatre education makes him a valuable asset and powerhouse facilitator.
WHEN?
Applications for production team and support staff are now open!
Applications for writers open:
Applications for Artists in Residence open:
The program will run from TBC - TBC
WHERE?
Kew Baptist Church for weekly workshops
Showcase: TBC