HELP SAVE SCRIPT IN HAND

What is Script In Hand?

This program enables the writer to see their play in action on stage and hear their dialogue spoken.

Script In Hand is a theatre script development program run monthly nine months of the year by Not For Profit Organisation Actors Anonymous Incorporated. Scripts are submitted for free, a director selected and the play is cast and rehearsed. Then it is performed on a theatre stage with props, stage furniture, costumes, sound and lighting.

Our Purpose

Our aim is to provide writers with the ability to preview their work in progress to assist in its completion and production. Script-In-Hand develops new Australian theatre so writers can see their work come alive and directors and actors can practise their skills and network. Many scripts have gone to full production, often with the same director and actors.

History

Script-In-Hand began over a decade ago in Kings Cross and over that time it has played at the El Rocco, Kings Cross, Hayes, Old Fitz, Blood Moon and Limelight theatres. Hundreds of writers, directors and actors have participated.

Our Problem

We need to get back into action post COVID-19.

We lost our long term home in the Blood Moon theatre in December 2018, due to our generous host, The World Bar, being forced out of business by the Lock Out Laws. After a long search we ran March to May 2019 in the Limelight theatre, which then closed without explanation.

We searched long and hard for a new venue. Then in March 2020 we opened at Old 505 theatre in Newtown. But after just one show all Sydney theatres were closed by the COVID-19 lock down.

The Old 505 is reopening on 1st July, but due to social distancing rules we won’t have enough room on stage to perform. And a greatly reduced audience size will make shows uneconomical.

Our monthly costs are venue hire and tech operator. Our annual costs are PL&L and Volunteer Insurance plus financial reporting and a tax return required by law for Not For Profit organisations.

Now if we don’t have a show, then we don’t have to pay venue hire and tech operator. But we are still required to hold insurance (can’t be cancelled during the year of cover) and create and submit financial reports and a tax return to ATO and at our AGMs.

Each participant buys a ticket for $20 at each show and that provides adequate income to cover all the costs mentioned above.

But after only one show in the year we are fast running out of money as our insurance renewal and end of financial year looms.

We Need Your HELP

We’re asking participants and friends of Script-In-Hand as well as theatre lovers to keep this show alive by making a donation. Just $20 or more from 125 people will enable us to reach our goal of $2,500. Donations are tax deductable and end of financial year is looming.

Please help Script-In-Hand, donate here:

We’re looking forward to Script-In-Hand opening again later this year.

Email Stephen Carnell scarnell@bigpond.net.au with any questions