Supported by Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre’s Local Stages Program and Country Arts Support Program (CASP) (Regional Arts) funds, the project is designed to further the writing skills in the region and give writers and theatre-makers opportunities to tell their own stories in a professionally supported environment.

In the program, arts identity Maryanne Jaques will work with the participants on one-act plays.

The scripts will be read by actors in public readings throughout the year and finally performed in full scale productions at the end of the year.

Ms Jaques, a writer who also works as communications officer at Arts OutWest, has degrees in both theatre/media and journalism from CSU and has worked in the arts industry for the past two decades.

She’s been a magazine feature writer, has run playwriting workshops and has taught scriptwriting for the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries.

Ms Jaques’ short plays have been produced locally in the Central West Short Play Festival. 

Her film script Off To The Diggings is currently being produced by Rusty Shutter Films.

Anyone from around the Central West is eligible to apply for the residencies and any participant selected for the program will be assisted with travel costs and accommodation expenses.

For more information regarding application and project details, go to Central West Short Play Festival on Facebook or visit www.bmec.com.au