Writer in Residence Program

Applications for Writers in Residence program are now open, they close 26th March.

Are you an emerging playwright? Have you got an idea for play and want professional support? 

The UHT Writer in Residence Program is an opportunity for students to be mentored by a professional playwright currently practicing in the industry. This program is a safe environment for you to test and try things with a like-minded group and a supportive mentor. The Writer in Residence program includes workshops, feedback and support, and the facilitation of peer to peer learning and friendship.

Program Runs from 2nd April - 23rd May 2025 

Important Dates:

EOIS Open: 10 March

EOIs Close: 26 March 

Program Outline: 

Week 1: Creating our Manifesto - Why we create theatre.

Week 2: Understanding story - What are the building blocks.

Week 3: Creating story – Generation of content.

Week 4: Group or solo work – Choosing a story to tell.

Week 5: Group or solo work – Choosing how to tell it.

The following one on one or small group sessions include gentle sharing of ideas or 1:1 chats with Jorja, the UHT Writer in Residence.

Apply now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2025 Writer in Residence is Jorja Bentley 

Jorja Bentley (she/her) is an actor, writer, producer, and youth worker, based in Naarm (Melbourne). Having initially completed her Psychology Honours Degree, she then moved into the artistic space where she graduated the Howard Fine Acting Studio’s Full-Time Program and her Master of Theatre (Writing) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Her debut play, Blood in the Water was shortlisted for best new play at the 2022 Australian Theatre Festival in NYC, and she debuted Norm Things (actor/writer/producer) at the 2022 Adelaide Fringe, which is a finalist for the Gasworks 2025 Queer Theatre Award. 2024 saw Blood in the Water open to critical acclaim at La Mama Theatre and Jorja’s participation in the La Mama and Australian Plays Transform Pathways Writing Intensive. In 2025, Jorja will complete residences at Darebin Arts and La Mama Theatre, and be an Artist in Residence at Union House Theatre (Melbourne University) and Mothership Arts Collective (NYC, USA). Jorja is passionate about authentic, social justice orientated storytelling, and hopes to create lasting pieces that assist in moving our world to a place of empathy. She is represented by Gina Stoj Management.