New Scripts Residency

This platform is for Singaporean/PR and Singapore-based independent theatre-makers (playwrights, directors, producers, performers) who are looking to test and/or showcase drafts of new or reimagined works to specific group(s) of audience (producers, presenters, fellow artists, theatre enthusiasts, non-arts events goers of targeted profiles etc).

We are looking for original, script-based work. These may include but are not limited to full length scripts, extracts of a work-in-progress or even a proof of concept for a new script. Adaptations for form are welcome, as are scripts written in any language.

The residency would best benefit writers with a clear idea of what they want to achieve, and whose scripts are at a stage ready for constructive feedback.

The New Scripts Residency culminates in a critical reception, a by-invite only presentation session which may include but is not limited to dramatised reads, table reads or extracts of a play.

These sessions typically run from around 1.5 hours to 2 hours long, and its sole purpose is for artists to gain critical feedback, suggestions, or comments from an invested audience for the improvement and further development of the script. Hence, we encourage artists to dedicate a substantial part of the session to an in-depth dialogue/question and answer session with the invited audience, preferably facilitated with rigour by a moderator of their choice.

Attendance at New Script Residency critical receptions varies from project to project. Interested audiences should subscribe to our mailing list to receive information about and invitations to upcoming critical reception sessions of the New Script Residency. Centre 42 will also aid in inviting select target audience should the artist deem it imperative and useful to hear from them.

If accepted, resident artists will be provided with the following:

• Up to 8 hours of use of 42 Waterloo Street Black Box for a critical reception

• Use of discounted rate for venue booking at Arts Resource Hub@42 Waterloo Street

• Fixed stipend of $200-500

• Access to Centre 42’s mailing list subscribers and network to engage with specific audience group(s) for the presentation session

• Opportunity to be hosted on the C42 Archive of Singapore Theatre as part of our Registry of Unpublished Scripts

The Residency includes up to 8 hours of use of the Black Box for the critical reception, but any prior rehearsals should be planned by and with costs borne by the artist. However, Centre 42 will be able to assist with the advanced booking of rehearsal spaces at 42 Waterloo Street. Artists will also be able to enjoy the use of the rehearsal spaces at discounted rates.

We encourage selected artists to seek their own creative team and actors to best communicate their work and intentions, however, we would be happy connect you with possible collaborators should the objectives and schedules align.

The New Scripts Residency currently calls for proposals on a half-yearly basis and accepts up to three applicants each time, although its frequency and capacity is subject to change.

Consideration of proposals will take into account the following:

• Lead artist must be a Singaporean/PR or based in Singapore

• The work must be original and script-based

• The work must be a suitable match for this developmental platform

• The artist must be invested in receiving critical feedback on their draft

• The artist must be able to articulate a clear intention and motivation for participating in this platform

• The artist must be available to present the work at the Critical Reception on the stipulated dates

Evaluation will be conducted by the Centre 42 team, although we often invite relevant experts to contribute their input for the necessary cases.

If the submission fits what we are looking for, the Centre 42 team will reach out to you to understand your needs, and make plans to kick start the process.