STC and NIDA Pathways Commission awarded to prolific writer Emme Hoy
NIDA and Sydney Theatre Company (STC) are proud to announce the winner of the new pathway for NIDA writing graduates, supported by the Longes Family. The STC and NIDA Pathways Commission has been awarded to Emme Hoy and will enable her to develop a theatrical work to be considered for performance.
Photo: Salem, written by Emme Hoy, directed by Madeleine Humphreys at NIDA in 2017.
Prolific and talented, Emme has written several plays, TV series, adaptations, and commissions. She completed her Master of Fine Arts (Writing for Performance) at NIDA in 2017. She is also an alumna of STC Emerging Writers’ Group. She was shortlisted for the UK’s most prestigious playwriting award in 2019, the Bruntwood Prize, was the recipient of the 2017 Belvoir Philip Parson’s Fellowship, was shortlisted for the Patrick White Playwright’s Award, the Griffin Award and the 2018 Theatre 503 Playwriting Award. In 2018 Emme wrote additional text for STC’s acclaimed production of St Joan and took part in their 2019 Rough Draft program with director Imara Savage.
Emme Hoy will now have the unique opportunity to work with the combined artistic forces of STC’s Literary Manager Polly Rowe and Artistic Director Kip Williams, and NIDA’s Head of Writing Dr Stephen Sewell. The initiative brings together the combined resources of both organisations to be utilised to create new Australian work. NIDA’s emerging actors and STC directors will be involved in the process.
Photo: Emme Hoy (supplied)
The initiative is supported by the Longes family, with Alarna Longes commenting: 'We are extremely excited to see what Emme Hoy will create through the new Pathways Commission. We are thrilled to be a part of this special opportunity for a young talented writer such as Emme and hope that with the collaboration and support of the Pathways team she will be able to create something special for all Australian's to enjoy at the theatre.'
When she heard the news, Emme Hoy felt ‘absolutely honoured and very grateful. I am painfully aware of how many extraordinary playwrights come out of NIDA every year, ready to have their chance to write for the mainstage, and I know first-hand how competitive and closely fought commissions like this are.
‘Australian theatre has an abundance of writing talent, but an extremely competitive landscape, so I’m so grateful that Richard Longes and his family have worked with NIDA and STC to fund this commission, and to provide one more pathway to the mainstage. Support like this is absolutely vital and inspiring for writers and our theatre industry.’
For STC Artistic Director Kip Williams, ‘Emme is a truly gifted artist.’ ‘We’re thrilled that she’s the recipient of this exciting new commission. As a former member of our Emerging Writers’ Group and contributor of additional text for Imara Savage’s acclaimed production of Saint Joan, Emme and her considerable skills have already made a mark at STC. We're delighted that the opportunity created by the STC and NIDA Pathways Commission will help Emme take the next step in transitioning from an emerging to an established playwright.’ Head of Writing for Performance at NIDA, Dr Stephen Sewell wished ‘Emme the best of luck in producing the brilliant work of art we know she is capable of.’
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes added: ‘We are delighted to congratulate Emme and are excited by the collaboration with STC to enable the development of new work from a talented writer and NIDA Alumni. Rich and courageous stories have never been more important, and we can’t wait for Emme to create this new work. We wholeheartedly thank the Longes Family for their support of brave new Australian voices and stories.’
Feeling inspired? Applications to study Writing at NIDA in 2021 are open until 30 October. Visit apply.nida.edu.au for more info.
