Every month.
Limited places. Small group size.
$29 General Price.
$5 Unwaged Artist Price.
Next Session: Saturday 21st June
Time: 1pm - 4.30pm
Venue: Backbone Youth Arts, Seven Hills
Book Now. Click Here.
Take your writing to the next level. Focus Room is a monthly space for playwrights of all skills and experiences to deepen their craft, share knowledge, and connect with others.​ In a supportive and inclusive environment, you will develop your craft and relationship to your work, guided by facilitators who are knowledgeable in playwriting and dramaturgy.
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You will...
1. Get professional feedback on your current work, focussed on ways to develop it further and clarify your intentions. Get inspired with fresh ideas and perspectives!
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2. Hear from featured playwrights and ask them questions. They will share insights on their process, their approach to playwriting, how their current script is progressing, and what problems they are working through.
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3. Individual writing time in a group setting using the Pomodoro Technique, to foster accountability, and deeper, more focussed work. Stop procrastinating and get some words down!
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4. Chat with likeminded writers. Grow your support networks, share ideas and knowledge, and reduce the loneliness that can often happen as a playwright.​​
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With practical tools, professional insights, and a supportive community, Focus Room is designed to move your play - and your playwriting - forward.​
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Limited places available. Book today by clicking here.​​ Download the information pack by clicking here.
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Alex Macdonald
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Alex Macdonald is a Meanjin based dramaturg with more than 10 years experience working alongside both established and emerging artists, writers, and creative teams, and is currently the Program Dramaturg for La Boite Theatre's Assembly+ program. While Alex's main interest rests with new work play development, it also has experience with installation pieces, immersive experiences, and site-specific works. Alex presents a practical and reflexive approach to dramaturgical practice, with a key focus on artistic intention, continuous development, and experimentation.
Rhumer Diball
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Rhumer Diball is a freelance dramaturg. She has worked with Queensland and Melbourne-based playwrights, theatre companies, and festivals, and publishes reviews through her website, Downstage Discernments. Rhumer has facilitated dramaturgy workshops and designed education programs for institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama, a Master of Learning and Teaching, and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, writing her thesis on visualising dramaturgy.
Q: How does it work? What happens at each session?
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1. Book your place and submit a scene that you're currently working on and you would like help with (10 pages max or 5 minutes equivalent stage time).
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2. Have an online Meet & Greet with the Facilitator. You will chat one-on-one about your scene, your process, and the full length work that you are writing in general. They will give you helpful advice, feedback and guidance, both verbally and in written notes that are emailed to you.
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3. Attend the in-person session on Saturday 21st June. Come prepared with thoughts, reflections and questions for the Facilitator, who you will meet with again privately and discuss your scene further.
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4. The in-person session is in three parts: First, Q&A and chat with a featured playwright. Second, individual feedback time with the Facilitator on your scene. Third, individual writing time in a group setting, using the Pomodoro Technique, with time for networking with your fellow playwrights during break times.
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Download the information pack by clicking here.
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Q: Do I need to commit to every month in advance? Can I pay for a one-off session?
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No, you do not need to commit to each month. Focus Room is not a course or program that you sign up for. Instead, we offer casual, one-off sessions every month. It's flexible to your needs as a writer, whether you feel you need help, a burst of inspiration, or accountability to get work done.
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Q: What is the Pomodoro Technique?
​The Pomodoro Technique breaks work into 20-minute sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. This is a proven method for deeper work and greater results. It boosts productivity by reducing distractions and improving focus. This structure makes tasks feel more manageable and encourages consistent progress. ​​​​​
Q: What is dramaturgy? What is a dramaturg?
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Dramaturgy is the process of shaping the story, structure, themes, and meaning of a play. When writing a new play, dramaturgy helps the writer think deeply about their work. It involves asking questions like: What is the play really about? How do the characters change? Is the structure effective? A dramaturg might also research history, culture, or style to support the writer’s vision. They help make sure the play is clear, engaging, relevant and resonates with audiences. Dramaturgy helps turn ideas into a full, meaningful and interesting performance.​
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Our Facilitators are specialists in dramaturgy, playwriting, theatre and performance, so they are well equipped to help you and any questions you have.
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Q: Who is the "featured playwright"?
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Every month, we invite a different professional playwright to chat with. They will be announced at least 4 weeks prior to the date. We are fortunate to be connected with top playwrights who are leaders in Queensland and Australia. Their plays are published, have been staged in major productions, and they are recognised industry wide. They are experienced in what it takes to write a great play and have a wealth of skills and knowledge.
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