The SEEDS Programme is a structured development initiative for emerging theatre practitioners. Since 2001 the SEEDS Programme has introduced a new generation of theatre-makers to the professional Irish theatre. Participants have the opportunity to observe and contribute to Rough Magic’s work and to gain exposure to the working methods of international artists through mentoring and placements.
Participants in the SEEDS Programme should have some knowledge of the company and its recent work, and once accepted onto the programme, will be encouraged to engage with the company’s approach and become part of its process.
The showcase element of the programme is intended to reflect the results of these experiences. The work should demonstrate the highest artistic values and spring from an aesthetic of excellence based on generosity and humanity; it should celebrate the emphasis on collaboration, clarity and communication which characterises the Rough Magic style.
The SEEDS artists will work together from the outset, participating in separate but integrated programmes. Up to five places across disciplines will be offered on the sixth cycle of the programme, which will run through 2012 and 2013.
THE PROGRAMME
Funded by the Arts Council, participants on the SEEDS Programme will participate in an 18-month programme, individually curated to provide the artists with the support they need to develop their craft and advance their careers. Mentoring by established and highly experienced artists will lie at the heart of the process, as well as international research trips, an international placement with a leading practitioner and hands-on experience assisting on Rough Magic productions. SEEDS Programme participants will be paid a bursary while participating on the programme. Rough Magic will also cover all travel and accommodation expenses for international research trips and placements.
Each playwright will receive a full commission to deliver an original play over the course of the Programme and will be mentored by an experienced playwright throughout the process. The SEEDS writers will receive support and feedback from Rough Magic’s Dramaturg and will participate in a structured development programme involving one-on-one script meetings, workshops and private readings. The playwrights’ programme will remain separate from the other individual programmes, but the SEEDS writers will participate in a number of combined activities including workshops and international travel.
Participants on the SEEDS Programme will be required to make themselves available as required for programme-related activities but as the programme does not involve a full time engagement we encourage participants to develop their own projects alongside the programme.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES
The SEEDS Programme is open to emerging playwrights, directors, designers (lighting, set and costume), composers and sound designers, production managers and producers, based on the island of Ireland, whose work has previously been staged on a semi-professional, professional (including staged or rehearsed readings), student or fringe basis or have completed accredited professional training in their specialism. Applications will only be accepted by hardcopy.
PLAYWRIGHTS
Playwrights wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. One example of previous writing for the stage (screenplays or radio plays will not suffice).
2. A CV detailing writing experience and production history (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur).
3. Writers invited to attend for interview will be asked to present a one-page outline of an idea for a new play.
4. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
5. A large SAE for the return of the script if required.
DIRECTORS
Directors wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing directing experience and production history (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur) and including the names and contact details of two referees.
2. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent theatre directing project. The outline should address the following areas: a brief description of the project, the creative personnel and your interaction with the creative process, artistic ambition and a self-assessment and analysis of the outcome of the project indicating whether or not the artistic ambitions had been achieved.
3. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt.
DESIGNERS
Set, lighting and costume designers wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing design experience and production history (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur) and including the names and contact details of two referees..
2. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent theatre design project. The outline should address the following areas: a brief description of the project, the creative personnel and your interaction with the creative process, the original design ambition and a self-assessment and analysis of the outcome of the design.
3. The outline should be accommodated by visual representations (photographs, drawings, plans) of the design.
4. Designers invited to attend at interview will be asked to present a selected portfolio of their work to date.
5. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
COMPOSERS AND SOUND DESIGNERS
Composers and sound designers wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing composition and theatre experience (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur) and including the names and contact details of two referees.
2. A CD or DVD containing examples of previous theatre composition or sound design.
3. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent theatre composition or sound design project. The outline should address the following areas: a brief description of the project, the creative personnel and your interaction with the creative process, your original ambition and a self-assessment and analysis of the outcome of the composition.
The outline should be accommodated by a CD or DVD recording
4. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
PRODUCTION MANAGERS
Production Managers wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing production experience (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur) and including the names and contact details of two referees..
2. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent theatre production management project. The outline should address the following areas: a brief description of the project, its creative and administrative personnel and your interaction with the creative and production process, how you worked within the team and your analysis of the success of the project
3. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
4. In exceptional circumstances we may accept applications from applicants with significant technical or stage management experience who are interested in moving into production management.
PRODUCERS
Producers wishing to be considered for the Programme should submit the following:
1. A CV detailing administrative and producing experience (indicating whether professional, semi-professional, student, fringe or amateur) and including the names and contact details of two referees..
2. An outline (maximum two pages) of a recent theatre producing project. The outline should address the following areas: a brief description of the project, its creative and administrative personnel and your interaction with the creative and production process, the producer’s original ambition for the production and a self-assessment of the outcome of the project including an analysis of projected and actual box office receipts where relevant.
3. The outline should be accommodated by promotional print material (fliers, programmes and posters) and press cuttings from the production.
4. A small SAE for acknowledgement of receipt
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications for the 2012/13 programme have closed. We will be taking submission for the next round of the programme in Autumn 2013
For further information about the programme please contact Clare Robertson, Producer/Artist Development, on 01 671 9278 or email clare@roughmagic.ie
The SEEDS Programme is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon