06 May 2010 One of South Africa’s premier professional theatre institutions, The Playhouse Company offers opportunities to independent producers and production houses to see their work staged at The Playhouse in Durban on either an ‘in-house’ or ‘in-association’ basis with The Playhouse Company. (Closes 21 May 2010)

The Playhouse Company will soon be considering proposals for 2011 - 2012 and invites arts practitioners to submit their proposals for cutting edge stage productions in the areas of Dance, Drama and Music.

Only proposals for stage works that are beyond concept or script phases and of a high artistic standard and ready to be staged may be submitted.

Applicants may apply in one or more of the following categories:

Community Arts Festival: The Playhouse Company’s Community Arts Festival assists in merging the divide between professional and developing performing arts communities by providing a platform for artists and art practitioners from townships and rural areas to stage their works in a professional, intimate and world-class environment.  A number of dance, drama and music productions produced in these areas feature on Playhouse stages which expose talent and personalities of local artists to the public.  During this festival, directors, choreographers and script writers are employed to teach and guide artists from communities to take their productions to the next level.

South African Women’s Arts Festival: Vibrant and innovative productions that feature the contributions of women in society, highlighting the impact they make on the lives of South Africans.

News Stages Festival: This festival is ideal for already existing productions that are ready to be further developed which reflects the creative ethos of a new generation of artists and arts practitioners while showcasing the life and history of South Africa.  This festival is recognized as a platform to taking productions to new heights, preparing them to be staged in other popular venues.

Schools programme: Adaptations of prescribed set-works by the KZN Department of Education for matric learners and that will be presented to schools situated in cities, towns, suburbs and must include performances in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal.  This programme is designed to assist grade 12 learners in their studies resulting in increased pass rates.

In Association Partnerships:

Fully fledged professional productions that are ready to be staged during the year will be considered.  The Playhouse Company will provide access to existing costumes, sets and available technical requirements.

Each year, a limited number of productions are selected from applications received.  Application forms will be available for collection from Thulile Zama at The Playhouse Company’s head office, 29 Acutt street from 2 May until 19 May 2010 between 9am and 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays ONLY.  Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded from The Playhouse Company’s website: www.playhousecompany.com.

Fully completed application forms with the required supporting documentation such as a production synopsis with a properly and detailed and costed budget and narrative as indicated on the application form must be dropped in the “Arts Proposal Applications” box situated in the foyer of The Playhouse Company head office.

Only hand-delivered and couriered applications will be accepted and no faxed or e-mailed applications will be considered.

After completion of a review process of approximately three months, successful applicants will be notified and given appropriate use of The Playhouse Company venues for rehearsals. Standard hire costs of these venues will be waived and further “in-kind” benefits will include stage lighting and sound facilities, costumes, sets, marketing and administration support, where applicable.

Applications close on Friday 21 May 2010 at 16:00.  Incomplete or late applications will not be considered and applications should be submitted as soon as possible for processing.