Infinithéâtre presents the first annual
The-Write-Stuff
Playwriting Competition for Youth
Head of New Play Development, Oren Safdie briefly explains the newest program: Oren Safdie, The-Write-Stuff
New this season and in keeping with the company’s mandate, Infinithéâtre Artistic Director Zach Fraser and Oren Safdie, Head of New Play Development, are thrilled to announce the creation of The-Write-Stuff playwriting competition for youth, to be awarded annually to the best new play by an emerging writer aged 12-18. The winner will receive $500; submissions open April 1, 2021.
In this latest creative development initiative, along the lines of Write-on-Q, The Pipeline and The Unit, 5-8 of the best plays submitted from the Québec-wide competition will be chosen. Short-listed playwrights are provided mentoring and direction from industry professionals to hone their skills, talent and confidence, and help prepare their work for public readings. Playwrights will see their vision come to life in a professional staged reading featuring some of Montréal’s best actors from theatre, film and television.
The deadline for submissions to The-Write-Stuff new playwriting competition for youth is June 15. Short, original works can be plays, monologues or musicals on any subject. Short, original works can be plays, monologues or musicals on any subject. Staged readings take place in December 2021. For complete contest rules and requirements or further information, please contact 514 987-1774 or plays@infinitheatre.com.
Great theatre begins with great writing. The company’s mission is to develop, produce and broker new Québec plays to ever-widening audiences.
“It is my goal to develop a powerhouse of Québec English playwrights second to none,” said Safdie, a highlyaccomplished stage, television and film writer, artistic director and teacher. He recalls the impact this kind of
work had on him, “The-Write-Stuff came out of my own experiences as a student of playwriting. It was one
thing to hear my words read out loud by fellow students in the classroom, but once I saw my script read up on
stage by professional actors before a live audience, I was hooked and knew I wanted to become a
playwright. This program is a way of reaching out and getting young students to try their hand at playwriting,
something they may never have considered. It’s also a way to make a connection with tomorrow’s artists, and
let them know that they have a home for their work in Montréal without having to go elsewhere. If we don’t
support them today, we won’t have a generation of artists tomorrow.”
The annual competition will bring attention to Montréal as an important promoter of new theatrical works, give
young people a chance to have their unique voices heard in a professional setting, and offer audiences a
glimpse into these young hearts and minds—as well as the thrill of seeing potential award-winning
playwrights present their first professional productions.
“We are delighted to support these writers’ vibrant voices. Under Oren Safdie’s heartfelt and skillful guidance,
we’re confident The-Write-Stuff can energize and propel future creators. We encourage students to make
their art in the style and language and perspective that makes sense to them; confident their voices will
resonate with others. We ask that they write with passion and with authenticity; about what inspires them,
what challenges them, what enrages, or scares, or frees them. Write from the heart. We look forward to
hearing what they have to say,” said Fraser.
