Writer in Residence
Love the idea of writing for theatre? Always wanted to try your hand at playwrighting? Or maybe you have loads of creative ideas bubbling away and just need a bit of help to see them realised.
The Writer-in-Residence program at UHT is an opportunity for students to work closely with an industry professional as they develop a piece of theatre or performance.
Open to anyone, regardless of your prior experience, our Writer-in-Residence program is a chance to work on your own sense of style as a playwright. You’ll receive the benefit of all-important input from an industry mentor as you begin to explore your ideas.
The format of the program includes small group sessions, writing tasks, sharing your work and one-on-one consultations with your playwrighting mentor.
2023 Writer in Residence
Ben Nichols
Bio
Benjamin Nichol (he/him) is an award-winning writer, actor, director and educator based in Naarm/Melbourne. He has had writing developed with the Melbourne Theatre Company, City of Melbourne, Darebin Arts Speakeasy, ATYP, fortyfivedownstairs, Fresh Theatre for Social Change and Theatre Works. In 2021, he was Chantilly Studio’s Artist in Residence.
For his writing and directorial debut, kerosene, Benjamin received awards for Best Direction and Best Production at the 39th Green Room Awards. He has received additional nominations at the Green Room Awards for Best New Writing (Independent Theatre) and been shortlisted for the Rodney Seaborn and Max Afford Playwrighting Awards.
As an actor Benjamin has worked both nationally and abroad, with performance highlights including a national tour of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and a European season at the Teatro Biennale in Venice of Patricia Cornelius’ LOVE. He has also been nominated for 2023’s Green Room Awards for Best Performer in his show ‘sirens’.
Benjamin holds a BFA (Acting) and a MFA (Writing) from the VCA.
Future opportunities for writers might include presenting at Tastings Creative Development Festival, with Student Theatre Groups and presentations at La Mama’s Explorations season.
If you have access considerations that we can assist you with, please contact on the email below or phone: 8344 6961
This is a free program for University of Melbourne students.
Places are limited to 12 students.
Important dates:
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Sessions are held on Wednesday nights from 5 – 8 pm
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Applications are due at midday on Wednesday 22 March
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Successful applications notified, Friday 24 March
For more information email Xanthe, UHT’s Artistic Director – artistic@union.unimelb.edu.au
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