Project funding for Widows to Creative NZ

Why?
This proposed project fits within a broader framework of regional/national development.
Widows is a production that will benefit society as a whole. Widows is a theatrical piece set in Chile.
It deals with the topics of the Military Dictatorship and Government during 1980 South America. This
Theatre performance has many realistic elements and truths within the text as playwright Ariel
Dorfman spent many years in exile in Chile. It is a theatre piece that speaks the truth of the past.
The purpose of this theatrical piece is to invoke thought amongst the audience. It is considered
normal in New Zealand to go to the theatre to watch an entertaining performance, thus taking
ones mind of their own personal issues and for a few hours letting their mind passively wonder into
another world. I believe that too much theatre today is based on aesthetics and entertainment
rather than telling a story that needs to be told, and causing the audience to reflect deeply on issues
that are still happening in the world today. It is not a good enough reason to assume that because
we do not face issues such as military dictatorship and coos here in New Zealand that we need not
take an interest in the issues at hand. The reality is such issues are still very present in the world
today and this play will educate the audience on the importance of knowledge, so we can make a
change.
I believe that modern society is selfish. We are becoming more and more focused on ourselves only
caring about matters that affect us personally, instead we should be compassionate and educate
ourselves on worldly issues and find ways to work towards world piece, harmony, fair justice and
human rights for all. This theatrical piece will be both aesthetic (in order to keep audiences engaged)
with period costumes and music from Chile during the 1980s but there will be a strong element of
education and awareness as well.
Funding this proposal will allow us to move one step closer to educating Auckland city on worldly
issues and move towards greater acceptance within society. I want this funding money to count.
Through granting this proposal you will help us to make a difference, moving one step closer to
world harmony.
A bit about myself:
My name is Shannon Hawkey and I am a New Zealand born Actress. I moved from Blenheim to
Auckland after being accepted into Unitec to study a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts degree.
I have been involved in the Performing Arts from a young age. From age 5 I competed in Highland
Dancing for 8 years and Irish Dance for 2 years, as well as trying Ballet, Jazz and most recently am
training for pole fitness competitions. I have also learnt flute for 5 years, violin and taken singing
lessons. I have studied drama at high school and been in many high school productions including
Caged Birds, Daughters and Revenge of the Amazons. At Unitec I have been involved in class
productions and end of year plays. I believe that all aspects of learning and training in the
Performing Arts from a young age have helped to create the person I am today, and each discipline
has taught me new skills which I can use in my professional career.

Upon graduation from high school I moved to Chirstchurch to study a Certificate in Performing Arts
with the Hagely Theatre Company. Here I was involved in 2 major productions, The man who fell out
of bed and Popcorn.
My strengths are that from my years of training in various performing art practises I have the ability
to draw on skills from each area incorporating these into the performance. Widows will not only be a
theatrical acting piece but it will include elements of song, dance and musical instruments. Other
strengths I have are contacts in the industry that I have made through my study at Unitec. Actors
Elizabeth Harthorne, Will Wallace and Voice coach Alexandra Whitham will be able to offer me
assistance during the rehearsal period.
My weakness for this proposal is simply the lack of funding I have available to produce the theatrical
performance that I envision to do. I want to do Widows justice. It is more than a play, we are telling
real stories of many Chilean people who had their loved ones taken away from them never to see
them again.
Planning:
The opportunities of this project:
This project will inform and educate Auckland about the Military Dictatorship in Chile, it will probe
them to reflect on their own lives and think deeply about the issues that are still happening in Chile
today.
We will name the season after Creative NZ in order to show our thanks for your funding and in
turn this will work towards business promotion for you Company.
Emotional impact from the performance will help work towards creating a higher level of open
minded people and greater acceptance of different cultures in society.
This project will promote New Zealand material, showcasing New Zealand talent encouraging
international relationships. The funding from this proposal will allow a more elaborate scale
production which will help create international work opportunities for New Zealand Actors, Lighting,
Costume and Stage Designers through showcasing the wonderful talent and skill we have here in
Aoteroa.
Threats that confront me:
Competition, as my production will take place in Auckland over the summer I will face competition
from other theatre shows happening in the city at the time. I will try my best to overcome this
challenge through thorough promotion and offering ticket competitions in order to promote the
show.
Ensuring I have enough money to pay all parties involved, as well as making a slight profit at the
end of the day for my business.
There is not a lot of time between now and the New Year theatrical season.

To ensure that I am a good risk please consult my Resume (attached to my website

http://shannonhawkey.weebly.com where you will also find a record of my other work) , as it shows
that I am a reliable and trustworthy Artist. From my 15 years experience in Performing Arts and my
degree and study at Unitec I have the skills and knowledge to put forward a successful and insightful
production that will leave the audience questioning themselves as New Zealanders, their place in the
world and the world around us. I am also hoping that my production of Widows will inspire people
to work towards positive change in the world. This project will also be an amazing experience for
myself as an Actress, discovering how to create engaging, insightful and memorable works of Art.
Plan of Attack:
Alongside my above objectives and production plans I will implement the following tools which I
have learnt through my years of industry experience. These will ensure we have a successful season
and the production is something that Auckland city remembers for years to come!
Setting the theme and attitude to work early on. This will ensure that all cast and crew are reliable,
know what type of production this is going to be, and through ensuring that we have reliable,
committed and hardworking individuals, lines of communication will be kept open, rehearsals will
run on time and important dates such as pack in and pack out will be stress free, ensuring everything
runs according to schedule. Having a cast and crew that has a clear track record of punctuality and
professionalism will also ensure that our production of Widows is a strongly successful show.
As the purpose of this play is to not only put on a good show but is primarily to educate the
audience and cause them to think/reflect on how they view the world, we will provide resources in
the program which will provide places and further education for those interested in learning more.
Venue: We will source a venue appropriate for a production of this size, preferably the Civic or Q
Theatre.
Access to market schemes
Throughout my 3 years study at Unitec I have had the privilege of forming relationships with
students from the Directing, Costume, Lighting and Staging Design Departments. These people will
be involved in the production of Widows, with Post-Grads taking on important roles such as costume
and set designers as well as stage managers. In doing so it will provide young professionals with the
opportunity for work experience, and being such a meaty play it is a production that will allow
them to put their skills to good use. They will be able to contribute fresh innovative ideas which is
something that I believe will be highly beneficial for the New Zealand theatre community.
I will form a council that will provide you with a credible governance structure. To do this I will
provide a short biography of each person working on Widows. This will include factors such as
experience, gender, community links, reflecting and also a mix of cultures and art forms. I also have
patrons who are highly respected individuals within the industry. Although they do not have time to
be involved in the day to day work on the production of Widows, they are willing to lend their
support and name to the production of Widows in Auckland city. I will also ensure that key staff or
Volunteers who are involved in the organisation, rehearsal process and production of Widows also
present brief biographies, showing their appropriate selection and support towards the production
of Widows.

Please feel free to contact me on:

Mobile: 0274464465
or
Email: Shannonhawkey15@gmail.com