In 1995 BATS Theatre created a commission specifically designed to allow theatre artists to experiment in a supportive environment – it has since built to be an essential part of the BATS annual programme.

We love risky stuff, and that’s what we want to see in a STAB project!

The STAB commission can be accessed by all performance media e.g. dance, theatre, opera, music, film, magic, interactive media.

In partnership with Creative New Zealand, the total commissioning amount for 2010 is approximately $80,000, and we envisage this will be the same for 2011.

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 present 1-3 productions in the STAB season annually.
• 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.

Past STAB Commissions include Live at Six; Death & the Dream Life of Elephants; Apollo 13: Mission Control, Heat, The Kreutzer, Settling, Arcane, Demeter’s Dark Ride, Head, Sniper, DnA, Black Body, Aaaargh! …

The STAB Commissioning Process for 2011

STAGE 1:     Expressions of Interest
Monday 22nd November 2010:  One-page form completed and returned to BATS.

STAGE 2:     Short List Selection
Late November/Early December 2010: BATS holds informal interviews with those who have submitted expressions of interest.

Tuesday 7 December 2010: Final selection of a small number of groups to further develop their concept.

mid January 2011 : These groups present their concept and a detailed proposal containing budgets, personnel and marketing plans as well as creative content.

STAGE 3:     Commissioning
Tuesday 25 January 2011: Two or more groups are commissioned to produce their STAB project.

STAGE 4:    Presentation
October/November 2011: STAB shows presented/staged

STAGE 5:    Reporting
December 2011: Project reports and budgets to be submitted to BATS and  Creative New Zealand detailing project strengths and challenges.

Are you keen to pitch for the STAB Commission? Keep your eye out on this website and join BATSmail to hear when we're taking Expressions of Interest.