The PaperBoats first international co-creation, is a non-verbal, visual theatre performance for 3-8 year olds that recreates all the joys, excitement and concerns of a pair of twins and a sixth birthday one of them doesn’t want to have. It’s a performance exploring sameness and difference.
Part performance, part game, part celebration, the production premiered at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, before presenting international seasons in Atlanta, Georgia USA and Singapore in 2019. Many performances have followed with seasons at the Adelaide Festival Centre, Marion Cultural Centre, The Rehearsal Shed Theatre, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mt Gambier, Noarlunga Arts Centre, Prospect Town Hall and more than 40 community halls and schools across regional SA.
The performance is intimate, immersive and interactive with children from the audience playing complicit roles in the narrative. As part of The PaperBoats’ International Co-creation Project, the music score for Especially on Birthdays has been composed, arranged and performed by Los Angeles composer, Matthew Wilder who wrote the score for Disney’s Mulan among an array of other credits.
Overview
The PaperBoats offers an innovative licencing opportunity for venues, festivals, theatre companies and producers to mount their own productions of “Especially on Birthdays” – an internationally acclaimed, non-verbal visual theatre performance for children aged 3-8 that explores the relationship between twins on their sixth birthday.
The Licencing Model
Through our supported creative partnership model, you can:
- Present high-quality productions with significantly reduced financial risk
- Create meaningful employment for local artists
- Minimize environmental impact compared to traditional touring
- Maintain artistic excellence with our guidance
What’s Included
Rights & Creative Support
- Performance rights for a 12-month period with defined geographic exclusivity
- Mandatory 5-day rehearsal period with The PaperBoats’ Rehearsal Director who will:
- Train and develop two core performers
- Work with optional understudies
- Mentor optional local associate director
- Ensure production quality and artistic integrity
Comprehensive Production Package
- Set, props and costume specifications with detailed supplier information
- Technical documentation and QLab sound/lighting files
- Marketing materials and promotional content
- Educational resources for schools and families
- Risk assessment documentation
- Performance videos for reference
- Ongoing creative mentorship
Investment Structure
First Year
- Initial licencing and resources fee: AUD$3,000
- Set, props, costume, technical costs: Presenter responsibility (detailed estimates provided)
- Rehearsal Director fee (5 days): Negotiated based on current industry rates
- Travel, accommodation, per diems for Rehearsal Director: Presenter responsibility
Term and Renewal
- Initial license term: 12 months from first public performance
- Annual renewal fee: Tiered based on performance volume:
- AUD$1,000 for up to 10 performances per year
- AUD$2,000 for 11-25 performances per year
- AUD$3,000 for 26+ performances per year
- Venue flexibility: See “Venue Variety” link below
- Audience capacity: 120-160 per performance
- Potential for return seasons and touring options
Reporting and Documentation
Licencees agree to:
- Document all performances with dates, venues and attendance figures
- Provide high-quality production photos and video excerpts
- Share audience/educator feedback and reviews
- Provide a performance video prior to license renewal
Creative Development Resources
- Access to “In the Process of Making” – our audio documentary exploring The PaperBoats’ creative principles
- “The Strangest Dream” – video documentary following composer Matthew Wilder’s creative journey
- Advice, support and mentorship avaialble on request through-out the process
- Optional masterclasses and keynote presentations
Why Choose This Licensing Model?
- Artistic Excellence: Internationally acclaimed production
- Financial Viability: Minimal cast, flexible venue options
- Community Impact: Employment opportunities for local artists
- Educational Value: Rich resources for schools
- Environmental Leadership: Reduced carbon footprint
- Ongoing Support: Access to The PaperBoats’ expertise
Getting Started
- Initial consultation to discuss your needs and vision
- Agreement on terms and scheduling
- Production resource delivery
- Rehearsal period with The PaperBoats’ director
- Ongoing support throughout your presentation period
Want to learn more? Contact Dave Brown – dave@thepaperboats.com
Learning Prompts for Educators and Parents: Below we offer educators and parents ~ SIX Sneak Peeks into the themes, ideas and processes of creation as they relate to our production of Especially on Birthdays.
We know how busy you are, so each one will longer than 3 minutes to read and absorb. These little Sneak Peeks are designed to help you weave some related activity into your children’s learning.
