Introducing the PLAYWRIGHT FUND…

Supporting the wild ideas, brilliant voices, and beautiful chaos of Aussie playwrights

For 27 years, the Old Fitz Theatre has been a 55-seat powerhouse in Sydney’s theatre scene - punching well above its weight and proudly championing bold new Australian stories. Now, under the custodianship of New Ghosts Theatre Company, we’re keeping that spirit alive - with even more love for emerging playwrights.

So what’s next?

We’re launching the Playwright Fund - a brand-new initiative built to supercharge the development of Australian plays and playwrights. This isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a practical, passionate commitment to making sure the next generation of writers gets the support they deserve.

What will the fund do?

The Playwright Fund is all about putting resources where they matter most - directly into the hands of writers. Think:

  • Workshops

  • Commissions

  • Development programs

  • Dramaturgical support

  • And maybe even snacks (we’re working on that)

No matter where a playwright is in their journey - just starting out, or mid-draft and mid-crisis - the Fund will be there to help turn ideas into fully staged magic.

What’s first?

A New Playwriting Program! We’re kicking things off with a brand new year-long program led by the phenomenal Mary Rachel Brown - a brilliant Aussie playwright with all the insight (and the heart) you could hope for.

This program is tailor-made for emerging writers who already have a spark of an idea - and are itching to turn it into a full script. Over the course of the year, writers will get expert guidance, creative development, peer support, and the tools to shape something powerful. No fluff. Just real craft and real progress.

Here’s the best bit: it will cost them absolutely nothing. Through FITZ HAPPENS (read more below) and a targeted fundraiser, the Old Fitz Theatre is aiming to raise $8,000 to fully subsidise the program for all selected playwrights. That means no one gets left out because of financial barriers - just brilliant voices being given a proper shot.

Why does it matter?

This fund isn’t just about plays - it’s about people. It’s about giving writers a real chance to thrive. With the Playwright Fund, we’re backing creativity, diversity, innovation - and frankly, the future of Australian theatre. From spark to stage, we’re here for it. And we hope you’ll be part of it too.

CLICK HERE to Donate to the Playwright Fund 
22 October - 1 November

New Ghosts Theatre Company presents

FITZ HAPPENS: HOME IS WHERE THE HAUNT IS

Written by  Mary Rachel Brown, Nicholas Brown, Kate Mulvany, Louis Nowra, Melanie Tait | Directed by Mehhma Malhi

A terrifyingly good night of spooky monologues, raising vital funds for the Old Fitz Theatre’s newly launched Playwright Fund.

This thrilling production unites five of Australia’s leading playwrights and a star-studded cast to premiere a powerful collection of original monologues - all with a spine-tingling Halloween twist.

In a true show of community spirit, all participating artists have generously donated their time and talent, ensuring that 100% of proceeds from this Monologue Fundraiser go directly to supporting the Old Fitz Theatre’s new Playwright Fund - an initiative designed to champion Australian playwrights. 

This fund will be exclusively dedicated to advancing new Australian plays and the careers of playwrights - providing invaluable support to writers at every stage of their journey, helping to nurture the rich diversity and innovation that defines Australian theatre.