2026 Stage One
STAGE ONE is an initiative of the Theatre Arts course and the Hayman Theatre Company at Curtin University. Now in its 15th year, STAGE ONE offers a Western Australian playwright the opportunity to write and premiere a new play and provides our acting and technical students with the experience of working with a professional playwright on a new work.
The inaugural production for Stage One was Reg Cribb’s BROKEN VALLEY, directed by Emily McLean at the Subiaco Arts Centre in 2012.
Expressions of interest
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from Western Australian playwrights interested in STAGE ONE 2026, to be produced in February 2026.
It could be a new project or a play you’ve already written that has yet to be produced.
Deadline: 30 June 2025
Testimonials
“STAGE ONE was an invaluable experience for me as an emerging writer. I got experience working with industry professionals and experimenting with an original script while being supported by so many wonderful people, including the talented students at the Hayman Theatre. This was by far the best writing experience I’ve had and I’ll always be thankful for the support I’ve received from the Hayman.”
“Co-writing PACKING HEAT with Daisy Coyle as part of STAGE ONE was an enriching opportunity. It was rewarding to write a play relevant to young people, and one that harnessed the students' performance skills. The support from Curtin University and the other artists on the project was unparalleled and greatly appreciated. I highly recommend all writers apply with a story these young actors can sink their teeth into.”
“It's a rare opportunity for a playwright to be funded to develop a new work in such a supportive environment. The team at the Hayman Theatre Company offered unwavering support and the contributions from the student cohort showed a huge amount of talent and dedication. STAGE ONE is a fantastic platform that I would recommend to any WA playwright looking to try out a project.”