DIGITAL PRODUCTION
OUR STORY
Here at The New Works Playhouse, we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources in order to build a community of skilled performers and gifted writers and provide a platform that can encourage and inspire new talent.
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The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 almost destroyed the performing arts industry but it also gave us a unique opportunity to bring theatre online and to create a global network.
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We are passionate about opening up the industry to make it more accessible to people from all over the world no matter their background. The performing arts industry is inaccessible to a wide variety of communities but our hope is to provide an open platform for talented individuals. We are here to build a community of motivated and like-minded performers and writers whilst providing support by facilitating and growing their talent.
WHAT WE DO
Performers can apply to The New Works Playhouse to be on our books. Through a successful application, our performer members receive casting notices for written work successfully submitted by prospective writers. Once writers are matched with performers, tickets for an online table reads will be available through our website on a pay-what-you-can basis. Successful read-throughs may lead to digital productions and/or a live performance of their work.
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What makes us unique is that we are not constrained to a resident theatre and that our base is fully online. This allows us to be truly global in both our digital and live productions. A theatre based online also allows us to work without the constraints of having one physical space, allowing for multiple productions to be performed at the same time.
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To ensure that we are able to continue supporting talented performers and writers, we have an application process followed by an audition for prospective performers and interviews for prospective writers. However, please do not feel anxious about the process - just show us what you can do. No application fee or subsequent membership fee will be charged to our members. We want to make sure that this platform is accessible to everyone and not burdened by any financial constraints.
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As we are a community of performers and writers striving to support each other, all performances are "sold" on a pay-what-you-can basis. 50% of the total funds earnt through any table reads, productions, or any other event hosted by us will be equally split between the participating writers and performers for each event, whilst the remaining 50% will be reinvested into future projects with The New Works Playhouse.
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Successful membership to The New Works Playhouse does not equate to employment.
Please check each production, table read, and workshop for specific information on ticket prices.
Donations outside of tickets are also welcome to support our community. To donate, please click the "Support" button at the top of the page.
ROBERT KODAMA
Founder & Artistic Director
Robert is an actor, writer, and director working on productions in Japan and the UK. He is currently based in Japan focusing on creating original works, supporting local theatres, and providing dialect training for Universal Studios Japan. His experience also includes designing and managing a black box theatre and producing collaborative educational performing arts programmes for IB international schools.
The importance of accessibility and diversity has been a huge influence in his works and was the driving force behind setting up an open and fair space for opportunities in the performing arts industry through
The New Works Playhouse.
CORE TEAM
JESSI ELGOOD
Since graduating from the Guildford School of Acting in 2017, Jessi has worked professionally as a performer throughout Canada and Japan. She is extremely passionate about diversity and representation in the arts, and hopes that The New Works Playhouse can become that welcoming innovative space people have been craving.
COURTNEY
WARD
Courtney trained at the MTA in London, and has since worked professionally across stage, screen and in various creative roles. She is thrilled to be joining The New Works Playhouse team to help other performers and writers like herself feel as though they are supported and encouraged to thrive as part of an inclusive community where their individuality is valued and celebrated.
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
PIPPA CADDICK
Pippa is a British-American actor and writer. Since training at Drama Studio London, she has worked professionally on stage, screen and radio across the UK and in Venice, Italy. Two of her short plays have been performed at The Arcola in London. She believes that the arts should be equitable and inclusive, allowing new voices to be heard, and is proud to be a part of something with those values at its heart.
SHELBY LYNHALL
Shelby is an actress, director, and educator with a BA in Theatre and English from the University of Denver. Whilst in Colorado, she performed professionally on stage, directed multiple productions and taught students of all ages artistically and academically. She feels passionately about universal accessibility to the arts regardless of socioeconomic and/or geographic restrictions and is excited to be joining a team that shares that passion.