Primarily Playbox works to foster a national repertoire of Australian plays. This process involves the production and creation of new work through commissioning writers, hosting play readings, workshops and script assessments, and also the reinterpretation of existing drama in the light of contemporary values and concerns. Playbox has gained a reputation for creating dynamic and progressive theatre and is partly responsible for the strength of the Australian theatrical industry and the diversity and success of Australian writers both here and overseas. With its focus on Australian writing, Playbox also actively encourages young and upcoming Australian playwrights with a number of writing and workshop initiatives. Our Theatre In The Raw programme on Sunday afternoons showcases new works and a new season entitled Playwrights Raw of play readings has commenced on Sunday afternoons in 1995.
Playbox also hosts workshops and seminars for the performing arts industries.
The need for social and cultural understanding and exposure to different theatrical and performance traditions has led to acrobatic, puppet, Japanese Noh and Suzuki companies touring Australia - under the auspice of Playbox Theatre. We also have a very successful and popular Education Programme and a number special events designed for families and individuals wanting to know more about the venue, the company and Australian playwriting. These include Family Days, Playwright Forums and Discovery Nights. In fostering artistic links with Asia, the company has toured productions of Australian work and has presented a number of Asian plays in exchange productions. Playbox has also actively encouraged Asian companies to stage their own productions of Australian plays, including Love Child by Joanna Murray-Smith in 1994 and Away by Michael Gow in 1990.