Development
Ensemble Development is a creative hub where seeds are sown, sparks ignite and creative conversations unfurl. With a focus on artistic development, it is an inclusive program where we explore potential, commission new work, nurture emerging talent and trial works in development, all of which shape the future of Ensemble Theatre.
Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director's Awards
Supported by Jinnie and Ross Gavin, and the estate of Dimitry and Zika Nester.
We’re thrilled to offer two aspiring directors the Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award. Awarded each year, the successful applicants receive the valuable opportunity to work as an Assistant Director on two of our mainstage productions and Ensemble Development projects.
2021: Rachel Chant, Warwick Doddrell and Ursula Yovich
2020: Rachel Chant and Warwick Doddrell
2019: Adam Deusien and Erin Taylor
2018: Liz Arday and Felicity Nicol
2017: Shaun Rennie and Francesca Savige
2016: Priscilla Jackman and Janine Watson
Director At Work
An exclusive opportunity for theatre-goers and aspiring theatre makers to go behind-the-scenes and see our skilled directors at work. Join a small group for an intimate afternoon in the rehearsal room to discover how a play is brought to life, and share these exciting insights with your friends.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK with Mark Kilmurry
Date: Thu 20 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
+BOOK NOW
HONOUR with Kate Champion
Date: Thu 1 Apr
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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NEARER THE GODS with Janine Watson
Date: Thu 14 Oct
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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$35 per session.
Spaces are limited. For bookings call Box Office on (02) 8918 3400 or book on the links above.
The 2021 Director At Work program is proudly supported by Emma Hodgman and John Coorey.
Play Readings
Ensemble Development Play Readings are a unique experience for audiences to discover exciting new and classic plays. Be among the first audience to see a new work in development and help shape its future by participating in a lively creative discussion with the actors, director and writer to provide feedback about your experience. Play Readings will be announced throughout the year. Make sure you don’t miss out by signing up to our e-newsletter.
The play reading series is proudly supported by George and Diana Shirling ‘Supporting the next generation in theatre’
Commissions and new play development
Ensemble Theatre aims to give voice to untold stories reflecting Australia’s changing cultural identity, and reinforcing theatre’s relevance as a vehicle for social change. We are committed to commissioning and developing new work, and to ensuring the success of these productions by providing dramaturgical support and creative development.
A BROADCAST COUP
By Melanie Tait
Commissioned 2019 / Script and Creative Development 2019 / Produced TBC
Supported by Jenny and Guy Reynolds AO, and Diana and George Shirling
UNQUALIFIED 2: STILL UNQUALIFIED
By Genevieve and Catherine Moore
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2019 / Produced TBC
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Hilary Bell
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2020 / Produced TBC
Supported by Charlene and Graham Bradley AM
OUTDATED
By Mark Kilmurry
Commissioned 2019 / Script and Creative Development 2020 / Produced 2021
KILLING KATIE: CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK CLUB
By Tracey Trinder
Play Reading 2018 / Script and Creative Development 2019 / Produced 2021
KENNY
By The Jacobson Brothers
Adapted for the stage by Steve Rodgers
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2019 / Produced 2021
BLACK COCKATOO
By Geoffrey Atherden
Play Reading 2015 / Script and Creative Development 2016-19 / Produced 2020
Supported by The Balnaves Foundation, Australia Council for the Arts, NSW Government and Sydney Festival.
THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE
By Melanie Tait
Script Development and Creative Development 2018 / in production 2019
Supported by Jenny and Guy Reynolds
DIPLOMACY
By Cyril Gély
Translation and adaptation by Julie Rose, commissioned 2017/ produced 2018
Supported by Jinnie and Ross Gavin
THE PLANT
By Kit Brookman
Ensemble Theatre New Writing Commission 2016 / produced 2017
Supported by David Williamson
THE BIG DRY
Based on the novel by Tony Davis
Adapted by Mark Kilmurry
Commissioned 2015 / produced 2016
THE ANZAC PROJECT
By Geoffrey Atherden and Vanessa Bates
Commissioned 2014 / produced 2015
Rory Potter and Noah Sturzaker in THE BIG DRY. Photo by Clare Hawley
Dig deeper with a post-show Q&A
Ever wondered how the cast learn so many lines? Or what really resonates about the play with the director? Join us at one of our post-show Q&A sessions for an engaging conversation about the play. Simply purchase tickets to a Q&A performance and stay in your seats after the show.
KENNY
Fri 19 Jan, 8.15pm
Tue 12 Feb, 11am
OUTDATED
Fri 19 Mar, 8.15pm
Tue 13 Apr, 11am
HONOUR
Fri 7 May, 8.15pm
Thu 27 May, 11am
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Fri 15 Jun, 8.15pm
Tue 20 Jul, 11am
KILLING KATIE
Fri 6 Aug, 8.15pm
Tue 7 Sep, 11am
ART
Fri 1 Oct, 8.15pm
Tue 26 Oct, 11am
NEARER THE GODS
Fri 19 Nov, 8.15pm
Tue 14 Dec, 11am
Share your love of theatre with a teen
Introduce theatre to the teenager in your life with a free ticket to join you on one of our Free Teen nights. These are subject to availability and can be booked alongside one adult subscription or single ticket.
Wed 24 Feb, 7.30pm KENNY +BOOK NOW
Wed 14 Apr, 7.30pm OUTDATED +BOOK NOW
Wed 2 Jun, 7.30 pm HONOUR +BOOK NOW
Wed 21 Jul, 7.30pm THE WOMAN IN BLACK +BOOK NOW
Wed 8 Sep, 7.30pm KILLING KATIE +BOOK NOW
Wed 27 Oct, 7.30pm ART +BOOK NOW
Thu 21 Dec, 7.30pm NEARER THE GODS +BOOK NOW
Ensemble Theatre also supports PLAYWAVE, a program aimed at connecting 15 – 19 year olds with the arts. Along with discounted tickets to our shows, members of PLAYWAVE can access an array of special events and offers across art forms. See playwave.com.au for details.
