Frequently asked questions

THE COLLECTION

Q: What is the Collection?

A: The Collection is an anthology of plays that we publish in alternate years. We first published the Collection in 1999 as a simple catalogue of plays. Since then, the Collection has evolved and in 2005, Collection #5 was the first to include the profiled scripts published in full on cd-rom.
Click here for a full list of ASC publications.

Q: How are plays selected for the Collection?

A: Once a play has been accepted into the catalogue, it becomes eligible to be considered for the next Collection anthology. Each play is assessed by at least two members of the National Reading Group, so that the ultimate recommendations are an accumulation of experience rather than a single person's preference. If both readers agree that a play should be included/not included, that is taken as final. If there is a distinct difference of opinion, it goes to a third reader.

Q: What type of plays does the ASC collect?

A: New, well-crafted, relevant and challenging plays by Australian writers.

Q: What is the National Reading Group?

A: The NRG assesses new plays in the catalogue and helps to shortlist and select them for publication in the Collection anthology and other centre publications.

Q: Who is in the National Reading Group?

A: The NRG is made up of professional playwrights, theatre directors and dramaturges selected from around Australia. Members are voluntary and are not paid for their time.

Q: What happens if there is a conflict of interest for someone in the National Reading Group?

A: Members of the NRG sometimes submit their own scripts for consideration. Where this happens we ensure that they have no influence on whether or not their own script is selected. To ensure impartiality, scripts are read by the NRG without the playwright's name attached.

Q: How many scripts are selected for the Collection?

A: The number varies, but usually up to 30.

Q: Can I become a member of the National reading Group?

A: If you are interested in becoming a member of the National Reading Group please send us an expression of interest along with your CV and contact details. Email your details to director@ozscript.org

ORDERING A PLAY

Q: How can I order a play?

A: Plays can be ordered on-line here, or by contacting us directly by email, telephone (+61 3 6223 4675) or fax (+61 3 6223 4678). If you need help with your order, please call or email us.

Q: What formats are plays available in?

A: All plays are available in an unbound hardcopy format. Many of our plays are also available electronically as an emailed pdf document or as an automatic download from this site (note, this service will be gradually introduced in 2008).

Q: How much do the scripts cost?

A: Prices vary according to format. Hardcopy prices range from $15 to $25 (plus gst & postage) and ASC members receive a 20% discount on all scripts, including electronic scripts which are available at 20% off the hardcopy price. All prices on this site are quoted in Australian dollars.

Q: How long does it take for an order to be processed?

A: It usually takes around three days for an order to be fully processed. Scripts that are ordered in pdf format will be sent to you within 3 days of receiving your order. Hardcopy scripts will take up to a week to arrive (if in Australia) and longer for international orders, depending on the post.

Q: Can I pay in non-Australian currency?

A: No, please arrange either a bank cheque or credit card payment in Australian dollars.

Q: Are your plays sold in bookshops?

A: No, plays distributed by the ASC are only available directly through the ASC.

Q: Can I make photocopies of the play?

A: You may not reproduce more than 10% the script in any way without the permission of the copyright holder. Permission to make photocopies can be arranged through the ASC by purchasing a Photocopy Licence.

Q: Can I buy the production rights?

A: The ASC does not negotiate production rights. If you plan to produce a play you should contact either the playwright or the playwright's agent to organise permission. Contact details can be obtained from the ASC.

THE CATALOGUE

Q: How many plays are in your catalogue?

A: There are over 900 plays in our catalogue. The number of new plays added to the catalogue varies from year to year, but on average is somewhere between 50-100 new plays each year.

Q: What if I can't find the play that I am looking for?

A: If you can't find a particular play in the catalogue, please contact us. We may be able to help you locate a copy through another publisher, or if the play is unpublished we may be able to contact the playwright on your behalf to arrange for a copy of the play to be made available.

Q: How does the online catalogue work?

A: You can use the online catalogue to find plays that meet a range of search criteria. If you know the play that you want you can search either by the play title or the playwright's name. If you want to find a play that meets a number of criteria (eg. cast size, cast age, subject area etc) you can use the advanced search function. It is also possible to browse the full catalogue either by play title or playwright. Playwright biographies are also available to browse or search.

Q: Do I need to be a member to buy a play?

A: No, anyone can access the online catalogue to buy a play. One of the benefits of membership includes discount prices on scripts and ASC publications.