IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE MARTIN-LYSICRATES PRIZE
The annual Martin-Lysicrates Prize, first award in 2017, celebrates the best new Australian writing in theatre for young people. At the heart of the Martin Lysicrates Prize are young people and their worldview. Young people are the inspiration and intended audience of this unique commission; as well as key participants in the process of awarding the annual Prize.
The inspiration for the Martin Lysicrates Prize is the Great Dionysia Ancient Greek theatre festivals where the city of Athens stopped, spirited audiences converged, new plays were watched, and the people effectively chose their annual award-winning playwright. The Martin Lysicrates Prize honours past tradition and today’s young people by weaving democratic ideals and new cultural experiences together.
The Martin Lysicrates Award is a genuine endeavour to inspire new stories and support playwrights to develop original scripts ready for production consideration. Along with a full commission, the winner enters a dramaturgical process, providing a fantastic opportunity for a playwright to work with a dramaturge from Australia’s leading producer of new works for young people.
Recently, Sally Sitou, Member for Reid, addressed Parliament about her visit to the 2024 Martin-Lysicrates. Click here to watch her address to Parliament.
TEACHERS
THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATRE, PLUS THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC VOTE!
Students participated by watching the three videos of the plays performed and voted.
To register your Expression of Interest for 2025, please email us at: hello@lysicratesfoundation.org.au with your school details and the number of students that will be either participating or viewing the videos.
THEATRE FOR ALL
WHAT IS THE MARTIN-LYSICRATES PRIZE?
Three new short plays specially written for 11 to 14 year olds compete for the kids’ votes. No sets, few costumes, no frills. Just brilliant actors reading from the original scripts, survivors of a tough selection process. Huge demands made on the kids’ imagination.
THE KIDS’ CHOICE!
Kids rule OK! The Martin-Lysicrates Prize winner is chosen not by a panel of grown-ups, or an adult expert, but by the votes of the kids themselves.
Three finalists – new short Australian plays specially written for 11- to 14- year-olds. No elaborate sets or costumes. Just brilliant actors reading from the original scripts. So kids have to use their imaginations. They watch the three plays. They shout, laugh, stamp their feet, wave their arms. They make up their own minds which play should win the $15,000 Martin-Lysicrates Prize.
If they’re watching in the theatre, they then file out and cast their first ever democratic vote.
If they’re watching the event in their classroom, the teacher counts the votes and emails them - they are still part of the overall vote.
If they watch the recording , at the end their teachers email their votes and they are still part of the overall vote!
Theatre + democracy + empowerment + fun = Magic!
Then they go off and write their own plays. Or poems. Or stories.
And there’s a fabulous teacher’s kit to help teachers prepare for the event.
(And it’s all free).
Teachers - Please note!
The Martin Lysicrates Prize Event participation is completely free. Each year we encourage teachers to rally a group of students together and participate and vote for the best play. It's a great experience involving drama, democracy, and fun!
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE HISTORYOF THE LYSICRATES FOUNDATION
Find out about the origin and inspiration behind the annual playwriting competition Lysicrates Prize.
