Staging the World 2025 Applications OPEN

March 28, 2025

Applications are open until Sunday 13 April (closing at 4pm) for National Theatre of Parramatta’s 2025 Staging the World program with Azan Ahmed (23 June to 5 July 2025).

STAGING THE WORLD is an intensive skills development program for artists of colour, to work with and receive mentorship from established international creatives. This program is funded by the Girgensohn Foundation.

FOR MORE INFO AND TO APPLY https://nationaltheatreofparramatta.com.au/engage/staging-the-world/

ABOUT OUR 2025 PROGRAM

In 2025 we have a unique opportunity for a select group of artists in the disciplines of spoken word, acting and playwriting to explore the performative potential of their practice, sharpen their writing skills, build their toolkit and discover the potential of working in a theatrical mode with UK artist Azan Ahmed

Providing space, time and creative support, the programme nurtures the creation of new work in spoken word, storytelling and poetry whilst exploring the artform’s relationship to other disciplines such as theatre, dance and digital art, and interrogating the opportunities these offer for pushing the boundaries of their artistry.

Artists will develop confidence in performing their own (and each other’s) work, generating new material and being part of an ensemble. With a particular focus on works written by multi-hyphenates like Michaela Coel, Sabrina Mahfouz, Riz Ahmed, Yomi Sode etc.

This intensive course will allow artists to develop safe practices of reaching inwards and sustainably delivering a well-executed story. The programme is tailored so that artists are able enhance their skillset and bridge the gaps between different disciplines, making them a more well-rounded presence in a rehearsal room and increasing their clarity of vision. Although the course covers poetry, performance and playwrighting the most important word we will return to is: Play.

ABOUT STAGING THE WORLD 

National Theatre of Parramatta launched the Staging the World  program in 2023 with a two-week intensive mentorship with one of the world’s leading playwrights, Tarell Alvin McCraney and in 2024 with director Mina Morita. Previous program participants have included: Challito Browne, James Elazzi, Moreblessing Maturure, Jules Orcullo, S. Shakthidharan, Aileen Huynh, Monica Kumar, Fernando de Miguel Fuertes, Pratha Nagpal, Bali Padda, Monica Sayers, Ryan Whitworth-Jones. and are thrilled to be launching our third year of this successful program.

National Theatre of Parramatta is an essential hub for inclusivity, creative exploration, growth and empowerment. Our work and programs are critical in that we invest in careers and open doors for our artists, creating long term opportunities

“I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. I assumed it would be similar to other workshops that I’ve done in the past. It wasn’t that this program didn’t meet my expectations, it’s that, what we covered was so outside of my experience, I don’t think I could have seen it coming. It didn’t exist inside my awareness until we were in the middle of it. It was really valuable and I believe more people should have the opportunity to have space held for them in this way. It’s something that the five of us learned over the course of the week and I’d love if we had the opportunity to pass that on at some point.” 2023 participant

“Tarell was incredible; vulnerable, generous, responsive, caring, smart, wise. It was a deeply meaningful experience that I will carry with me for a long time”. – 2023 participant 

“Mina is fantastic, bringing a wealth of experience and valuable insights. Her communication style is open, caring, and inclusive, creating a strong sense of being truly “seen.” There’s a feeling that any creative would find her guidance to be a tremendous asset. I have no doubt that I’ll carry many of the things she’s shared with me throughout the rest of my career.” 2024 participant

It is an incredible program that fosters Western Sydney artists and emerging directors. The things you learn in the process are invaluable to developing good directing practice. For BIPOC artists this program provides us with a space to discover and explore our artistry. As an Aboriginal man, to have a program that provides a space where my cultural practice and directing practice intersect was beyond enriching.” – 2024 participant