imagination and collaboration

Timothy Roach

Head of Learning - Performing Arts

The New Writers Collective, a project made available through Arts Centre Melbourne, is a free and exclusive play writing workshop for women aged 15 to 18, non-binary and trans people. 

One of our own talented writers and performers, Charlotte Sherlock, has been hand-picked from students all across Victoria to be a part of this fantastic, progressive program which provides pathways opportunities for young people interested in pursuing careers in the arts. Throughout 2020, participants will get to meet with playwrights and view a range of performances, and hone their skills as playwrights and authors. 

Charlotte entered the Collective by submitting a story she had written, and her work was selected by a panel of playwrights and creatives. This panel included Katy Warner (author of Spencer, A Prudent Man and Reasons to Stay Inside) who is the Creative Producer of the Schools Engagement program at Arts Centre Melbourne. 

Over the course of the year, those chosen to take part in the Collective will work to devise their own plays.  These plays will be performed at the end of this year, or at the beginning of 2021. 

Charlotte Sherlock

Year 11

Although we've only had two online meetings so far, the atmosphere has been very positive and accepting! In the workshops, we focus on what it means to be a playwright, how to get writing, and what responsibilities we hold for the stories we tell. 

It is a great deal of fun, and I feel honoured to be involved!