Gasworks Script Lab

Gasworks Script Lab aims to support writers of all skill levels. The 2025 program features two streams:
EMERGING: for new/aspiring writers who have never written for the stage but are interested in exploring the craft of playwriting
EXPERIENCED: for writers with playwriting experience and 1 or more theatrical production credits (‘credits’ includes both performances and public script readings) who are currently working on a new full-length play

In 2025 the facilitator of the Emerging stream will be MWT playwright and producer Clare Mendes. Award-winning writer and theatre-maker Laura Lethlean will return as this year’s facilitator of the Experienced stream.

About Gasworks Script Lab:
Gasworks Script Lab is open to all Victorian-based writers living in the City of Port Phillip and beyond. Ideally, program participants will be Australian citizens or permanent residents who are committed to developing and presenting their writing at a local/national level. We are able to support up to eight Emerging writers and six Experienced writers in the 2025 program. Selection is competitive, meaning that not all applicants can be guaranteed a place.

Gasworks Script Lab is a multi-stage writing program. There is an expectation that participants will attend all workshops and meet deadlines, which will involve working on scripts at home between sessions. Completed scripts from each stream that are deemed ready for presentation will be shared with the public at Showcase Nights to be held at Gasworks Arts Park on 21st & 22nd October.

Applications will open on Thursday 1st May. EOIs must be submitted on Friday 16th May. Selection will be made by a panel from Melbourne Writers’ Theatre & Gasworks Arts Park, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome by Tuesday 10th June.

Key Dates:
Thurs 1 May, 9am: EOIs open
Fri 16 May, 5pm: EOIs close
Tues 10 June: All applicants notified

Workshops for EMERGING writers
Sat 21 June, 2pm–3.30pm: Introductory Workshop | Zoom
Sat 12 July, 11am–1pm: Writing Workshop#1| Gasworks Arts Park
Sat 26 Jul, 11am–1pm: Writing Workshop#2| Gasworks Arts Park
Sat 23 Aug, 10am–2pm: Script Development with Actors | Gasworks Arts Park
Tue 21 Oct, 6.30pm–8.30pm: ShowcaseNight#1| Gasworks Arts Park

Workshops for EXPERIENCED writers
Sat 21 June, 2pm–3.30pm: Introductory Workshop | Zoom
Sat 12 July, 2pm–4pm: Writing Workshop#1| Gasworks Arts Park
Sat 26 Jul, 2pm–4pm: Writing Workshop #2 | Gasworks Arts Park
Sat 23 Aug, 2pm–6pm: Script Development with Actors | Gasworks Arts Park
Wed 22Oct, 6.30pm–8.30pm | ShowcaseNight#2| Gasworks Arts Park