The Cowshed - Residency

Imagine three playwrights, one dramaturg, one producer and two actors in a blue house over four days. The Cowshed Residency is one of the most exciting opportunities for Tasmanian playwrights in recent times. Piloted in 2020 with Stephanie Briarwood, Belinda Bradley and Sue Hayes supported by Jane Johnson and Stuart Loone under the watchful eye of dramaturg Peter Matheson, the weekend allowed uninterrupted writing time with actors and dramaturg on call to workshop scripts in real time.

The Residency is an accelerated program for Tasmanian playwrights who have demonstrated ability, to get their work closer to production.

“Tasmania is incredibly lucky to have this unique opportunity thanks to Blue Cow Theatre. Any writer would benefit enormously from the experience, so I sincerely hope it’s the start of an ongoing program for playwrights. Truly, it’s every writer’s dream to be able to do what we did over the residency. It can only result in better scripts, ideas and a connected and supportive playwriting community to give voice to our unique slant on life from this Island. As you can probably tell, I’m still buzzing and can’t speak highly enough of it.” Belinda Bradley - Playwright

This Residency runs concurrently with the Tas Performs Residency with an extra day. Transport is provided and playwright’s will share evening meals with the bigger group on Friday and Saturday nights and some other optional activities. Peter Matheson will be our resident dramaturg.

The residency is heavily subsidised. The cost is $350, payments plans can be negotiated. No refunds for cancellation.

We understand that your script is a draft, some parts more advanced than others, don’t worry we take a holistic view. If you have questions please email us.