State of Play HOTSPOTS

STATE OF PLAY is a three year initiative of Malthouse Theatre whereby regional and urban Victorian theatre-makers have the opportunity to share creative ideas and develop collaborative possibilities. HOTSPOTS is a primary activity for State of Play in 2009.

Malthouse Theatre is offering three HOTSPOTS to theatre artists from regional Victoria.

Artists from regional Victoria are invited to enter into or extend a creative dialogue with an artist working in their field in Melbourne.

While there is the opportunity for skills development and networking, the core focus is an exchange of creative ideas between the artists concerned. This dialogue may take place in any theatre discipline (e.g. writing, direction, performance, dramaturgy, lighting design, sound design, set/costume design, choreography, composition) and in a style best suited to the participating artists.

Applicants are invited to shape this opportunity in a way that best fits their practice.

A HOTSPOT might be used to develop and extend an existing relationship between artists, to embark on a mentorship, share methodologies in a creative context, respond to a rehearsal process, provide specific skill development, conduct research, conceptualise a larger project etc.

Indeed, this is the key feature of the HOTSPOTS initiative—its outcomes are variable depending on the artists involved and the singular style of the creative exchange. The initiative will be best realised by bold ideas, strong relationships and concrete outcomes for the artists involved.

Applicants must propose a creative project that they are currently working on or would like to develop or nominate a metropolitan artist with whom they would like to form a dialogue. Joint applications from a regional and metropolitan artist are welcome. Regional arts bodies may discuss ideas and individuals with Malthouse Theatre although applications will only be accepted from artists.

Each HOTSPOT includes a stipend for the participating artists, travel costs, accommodation and funds towards living expenses related to the exchange, as well as the opportunity to view at least one production outside of place of residence. The exchange will take place over 1-3 months.

Successful regional applicants will spend time with the metropolitan artist in Melbourne and the metropolitan artist will similarly visit the regional artist’s place of residence. Such visits must be linked to HOTSPOTS activities.

All three HOTSPOTS must take place in 2009. Prior to their commencement, recipients will meet with the hotspots project manager to discuss goals and outcomes, timelines and reportage.

Applications should be no longer than 3 pages and should include,
- An outline of your experience in the theatre discipline of interest
- A description of how you would use a HOTSPOT
- The artistic rationale driving the project and how this relates to your body of work as an artist
- The type of artist you would like to or propose to engage with
- Outcomes of the project (examples of possible outcomes are the opportunity for each participating artist to view the other’s work, an annotated record of the critical exchange, a public lecture.)
- How a Hotspot would benefit your arts practice
- How you will evaluate your project

Applicants should also include a comprehensive resume.

Deadline for applications: 15th February 2009.

If you wish to discuss your application email dramaturgy@malthousetheatre.com.au. Please put HOTSPOTS in the subject line and include your contact phone number. Please note that the dramaturgy department is closed from the 12th December- 15th January. The office will be staffed part time in the second half of January- we will respond as quickly as we can.