Playmarket
Playmarket is a not-for-profit organisation providing script advisory services, representation for playwrights in New Zealand and access to New Zealand plays.
Playmarket was founded in 1973 to encourage the professional production of New Zealand plays. The organisation now represents a substantial majority of New Zealand theatrical writers. Playmarket is also a script development service and a publisher of plays.[1]
History
During the first eighteen months of the organisation, Playmarket licensed a total of 15 productions. By comparison, it currently licenses around 400 productions of New Zealand plays each year, both in New Zealand and around the world.[2]
Structure
Registering as a non-profit making incorporated society in 1975, the membership of the Society now meets annually to review activities, receive the annual reports and elect a board. During the year the board meets to determine policy, establish budgets and monitor the activities of the organisation. Playmarket receives core funding from Creative New Zealand.[2]
Published New Zealand Plays
Playmarket sells published New Zealand plays. The bookshop is available online at their website which also provides profiles of New Zealand playwrights and titles. The bookshop also has a database of unpublished scripts. Many of the best scripts have flexible cast numbers and suitable for schools and students.[1]
Published playwrights
Client writers and published playwrights include Roger Hall, Hone Kouka, Renee, Dave Armstrong (playwright), Gary Henderson (playwright), Jean Betts, Michelanne Forster, Robert Lord (playwright), Bruce Mason, Ken Duncum, David Geary, Alison Quigan.
Playmarket Annual
Playmarket publishes a magazine called Playmarket Annual. The magazine provides a review of the previous year of theatrical activity in New Zealand.
Client Services
Playmarket services for their playwright clients include;
- Promotion and circulation of scripts to potential directors and producers both in New Zealand and overseas
- Monitoring the collection and distribution of royalty payments
- Negotiation of all contracts and commissions
- Troubleshooting, support and advocacy during production
- Copyright advice
- Collection of scripts, biographies and production information
- Priority eligibility for script development, publication, conferences and special events[1]
Membership
For a nominal annual fee, people can become members of Playmarket.
Location & Contact
Playmarket has two offices in Wellington (head office) and Auckland.
Physical Location:
Wellington - Level 1, 35-38 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington
Auckland - F5, 99 Queen Street, Auckland
Mail can be sent to: P.O. Box 9767, Wellington 6141, New Zealand.
Phone +64 4 382 8462
Fax +64 4 382 8461
E-mail info@playmarket.org.nz
See also
References
- Playmarket website
- Creative NZ
- 1992 Playmarket Directory of New Zealand Plays and Playwrights ISBN 0-908607-27-X