Apply Here
The Festival of New Theatre is a collaboration between the Isaac Theatre Royal and Rollicking Entertainment. It’s designed to give playwrights the opportunity to hear new work out loud, in front of an audience, and discover what happens when a script moves from the page to the stage.
We first piloted the programme in 2024 and came away wanting to create more opportunities for playwrights to connect with fellow artists, share work-in-progress and be part of a creative conversation.
“The sense of togetherness with other theatre makers and the audience is fantastic.”
Roanna Dalziel— 2024 Festival of New Writing participant
For 2026, we’re looking for playwrights based in Ōtautahi and across Te Waipounamu | the South Island who have an idea, a script, a story—or even the beginnings of one—that they’d like to explore further.
We’re especially interested in hearing from writers whose voices, experiences and artistic practices have been historically underrepresented on New Zealand stages.
To apply, we’re not asking for a full script. All you need is:
- A short description of the work
- A writing sample of up to 10 pages
- A brief artist bio
- A photo (headshot – professional or just taken on your phone)
Selected playwrights will take part in a professionally supported staged reading as part of the festival, working alongside directors and performers, receiving audience feedback, and connecting with other artists through a weekend of workshops, discussions and networking opportunities.
Opportunities to hear new work in front of an audience can be hard to come by. I’m looking forward to helping create that space locally, and discovering the stories, voices and ideas that playwrights are ready to share.
Find out more and apply here: https://isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/event-2026-festival-of-new-theatre-applications.
Applications close: 14 August at 1pm