Stories Come To Life With A Fistful of Scripts

Created, produced and run by Sean McIntyre (Wise Words Media), A Fistful of Scripts is an event where writers can have their scripts and screenplays read by professional actors in front of an audience.

A Fistful of Scripts has quickly established a reputation within Melbourne’s arts sector as a vehicle for writers in both theatre and film/TV and this December marks the third event held at Theatre Works St Kilda. Sean McIntyre says given the professional environment, the quality of actors and support from Theatre Works, it is little surprise that new writers were keen to profit from the experience that A Fistful of Scripts provides. “The project is created, produced and run entirely by myself. Scripts for [Season 1] and [Season 2] were all written by myself. I placed the casting calls, cast the actors, ran the rehearsals, liaised with the theatre – pretty much everything except perform!”, he said.  [Season 3] will showcase the work of three writers, international Cairo-based playwright Wafik ‘Fiko’ Doss, Melbourne-based producer, director and writer Josie Parrelli and Melbourne-based writer/actor Kim Morrell on Tuesday 6 December at 7pm.
Their work will be brought to life during an evening of script-readings at Theatre Works, Acland St, St Kilda by Melbourne’s most talented and driven writers, actors and directors. A Fistful of Scripts began in July 2010, when a determined McIntyre wanted to see his work read and analysed.  “I used to watch how hard it was to produce your own shows, and as a writer I knew no-one was going to come to me and give me a theatre, a cast and a season”, he said. “This is about investing in yourself and believing in yourself. Guts.” And it does take guts to put your work on the line, and open it up for discussion and critique.  “There is a Q&A forum after each script, and I am always amazed at how much people enjoy discussing the works”, McIntyre said. “Participants value and rate this aspect highly.  The forums generate fruitful discussion that is sometimes from left-field but always relevant,” A Fistful of Scripts has also generated an informal, enthusiastic ensemble of actors – “they love the script-reading concept”, he said “and they keep coming back for more!”. The driving philosophy and rationale behind A Fistful of Scripts is to take the work out to the audience. “We write ’em. They read ’em. You hear ’em”, laughs McIntyre.  The event operates on a 100% non-profit basis and this is made possible by the generous assistance from Theatre Works, providing partner-support (venue, tech crew and marketing).
‘A Fistful of Scripts’ is open to the general public and admission is free, however gold coin donations will be accepted at the door and via online bookings.  Key cast include: Leonie Leaver, Katharine Innes, Nadia Andary, Christopher Barry, Madeline Clare French, Stephanie Evison-Williams, Tom Kay, Callan Lewis, Alex McArthur, Adam Turnbull, Francesca Walters, Josie Parrelli and Kim Morrell.
Featuring the work of:Wafik ‘Fiko’ DossJosie Parrelli Kim Morrell Sean McIntyre

BOOKINGS:A Fistful of Scripts [season 3]6th Dec 20117pm to 9pmFree – bookings required (gold coin donations accepted)
Theatre Works Acland St, St Kildatheatreworks.org.auBookings http://theatreworks.org.au/whatson/ Image by: Jaklene Vukasinovic