Philip Parsons Young Playwright’s Award
The Philip Parsons Young Playwright’s Award and Memorial Lecture commemorate the life’s work of Philip Parsons AM (1926-1993). Dr Parsons was an influential teacher and mentor to many of the students, scholars, actors, directors and playwrights who created the new wave of theatre and drama in the 1970’s. Both the Award and Lecture are part of the artist development activities of Belvoir.
The Award is presented each year to a playwright under the age of 35, whose work demonstrates an original and compelling theatrical voice. The Award money forms a commissioning fee for the writer, with a view to developing a new work with support from Belvoir’s artistic staff.
Submitted plays are assessed by the Award panel and a shortlist is chosen on the strength of these works. Shortlisted writers are asked to submit a treatment of up to five pages for a proposed new work.
In 2012 the winner was Kit Brookman. Full details here.
Previous Winners
2011 – Zoe Coombs Marr
2010 – Matthew Whittet
2009 – Tahli Corin
2008 – Khoa Do
2007 – Tommy Murphy
2006 – Patrick Brammall and John Leary
2005 – Brendan Cowell
2004 – Kate Mulvany
2003 – Jonathan Gavin
The Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award
The Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award is a $20,000 award for the creation of a new play by an Indigenous playwright. This national award will be presented for the next three years. The award comprises $7,500 prize money and a $12,500 commission for a new play each year. Applications will be accepted from writers of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. They will be assessed by a panel including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.
In December 2012 the inaugural award was made to Nakkiah Lui. Full details here.