This application process offers entrants the opportunity to take their production to the next level through 15 hours of intensive workshop instruction with a professional director. With a production that is stage-ready, participants can concentrate on improving their skills and understanding of the theatrical craft as workshop directors take productions into a whole new range of possibilities. Participating productions will still be able to do final session 'run-throughs' (for auditors), if they so choose.

What it will do is allow Clubs to start fundraising and booking holidays immediately, rather than waiting until their Zone Festival is complete. Dedicate a certain performance(s) of the pre-Festival run as a fundraiser, secure production sponsorship, designate proceeds from a workshop, run a car wash, ticket raffle, 50-50 draw, etc. promoting "We're Going to MAINSTAGE!"

The application process would be as follows:

All Member Club's 2000 Zone Festival productions are eligible to apply to go to MAINSTAGE 2000 as a Scene Development Play. (Current TBC Membership requirements will be in effect. Applications will not negate a play's consideration for 'Best Production' or 'Workshop Play'.)

Deadline for receipt of Applications is March 31, 2000. Applications will be accepted on a basis of "first come, first served" with priority given to all Zone Festivals being represented by at least one Scene Development play. Clubs deciding to enter their Zone Festival after that date will be considered by the Selection Panel on an individual basis taking into consideration available space(s), total number of productions applying from the corresponding Zone, the circumstances of the late application and any other relevant factors.

Applications for Scene Development must be made to the Theatre BC office in Nanaimo. Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt. The Zone Chairs will announce the Scene Development Series participating Clubs at the conclusion of the Zone Festival Awards Ceremony.

Each application must be accompanied by a $100. refundable deposit, payable to "MAINSTAGE 2000". Clubs attending as planned will receive their deposit back at MAINSTAGE 2000.

Entries selected by adjudicators to represent their Zone as the "Best Production" or "Workshop Play" will be replaced on the Scene Development play list with later applicants.

If Theatre BC receives more entries than MAINSTAGE 2000 can accommodate, a Selection Committee will select which productions will be accepted. This Committee will be a sub-committee of the TBC Festivals Committee and consist of the Festivals Chair (TBC Vice President), the Executive Director and any other appointees of the Festivals Committee Chair (likely to include a Rep from the MAINSTAGE 2000 Host Committee and members of the Festivals Committee).

All participants in the Scene Development Series will be required, as usual, to register for the MAINSTAGE 2000.

It is the hope of the Festivals Committee that all those entries applying for the Scene Development Series will have the opportunity to participate. Upon acknowledgement from Theatre BC of their application, Clubs can start fundraising and participants can book holidays immediately. Scene Development is a tremendous process that all Member Clubs should have the opportunity to experience. Now you can make the choice yourselves! Right now!

In fact, it is important that you apply as soon as possible so that MAINSTAGE 2000 can book an adequate number of venues for the Scene Development Series.

The "Application for Scene Development at MAINSTAGE 2000" form is also posted to the Theatre BC web site in the MAINSTAGE section. If you have any further questions, contact Festivals Committee Chair, Michael Patton or the Theatre BC office in Nanaimo.