Ready to take a leap into the unknown? BATS' annual STAB production showcases theatrical innovation in all its many forms. It's a rare chance for artists to be given the financial resource required to realise something ambitious, experimental or unusual. With support from Creative New Zealand we're able to offer them a chance to take a stab at a new idea and give Wellington audiences the chance to see something they've never seen before.
The Commission
STAB originated in 1995 from BATS Theatre’s desire to initiate a commission that allowed theatre artists to experiment in a supportive environment. For the past few years, with the awesome support of Creative New Zealand, BATS has been able to offer:
- One major STAB commission of between $50,000 and $65,000
- One STAB LAB commission of between $10,000 – $15,000
The aim of STAB is:
- To secure and provide a significant level of funding (the commission) to support the creation of innovative, pioneering performance work.
- To commission new New Zealand performance work.
- To support this work from inception through a production process to presentation.
- To promote BATS as host to the most innovative theatre in New Zealand, with its finger on the creative pulse of the performing arts.
- To support a national community of pioneering artists who strive to push boundaries in their performance work.
STAB LAB
In recent years the commission has evolved into one major commission, and the smaller STAB LAB. This is commission is between $10,000 – $15,000 which goes towards the development of an idea. The STAB LAB is a workshop model designed to give a smaller resource to practitioners who wish to test out their thinking in a supportive environment.
STAB and the STAB LAB can be accessed by all scripted or devised performance media including dance, theatre, opera, music, film, magic and interactive media. Please keep an eye on this page for more information about this year's STAB deadlines.