STUCK playwright Megan Twycross on tight timeframes and never finishing.
1. How do you begin?
With an idea, usually inspired by my environment. I consider it in the context of my other work and how it fits. If the idea sticks, I know it has merit. Once I start writing, the words flow out really fast. It’s like something is bubbling away under the surface and just has to come out! I give in and carve out time to sit down and write.
The whole play will be fully formed in one or two sittings, then I go back and start editing. Once I have a draft, I share it with directors, producers and friends in the industry for feedback.
2. How do you know when something is “finished”?
Is anything ever really finished? Particularly a playscript in comparison to a published manuscript. The beauty of the theatre is that it is an ever-changing artform. When different directors take on the work, there will be changes in meaning; different contexts, rhythms, movement, physicality... That’s just the best thing about writing for theatre, there’s so many variables, it’s so exciting!
3. What’s your favourite way to work?
Quickly, passionately, collaboratively. I must give myself intensely tight time frames or I don’t ever get anything finished. I think this really informs my writing. I mean, I think there is a certain way my voice comes across, or my words jump off the page, given the environment I write in. Sometimes I stand at my desk with loud music playing which is a very energetic way to work; think of a pianist playing live. Or I listen to music through headphones at a café, channelling a more collective energy.
Megan Twycross is a highly valued playwright/ director and arts facilitator currently living and working in Warrnambool, Victoria. She graduated from University of Melbourne Arts (Honours: Theatre Studies/ Creative Writing). She has been the recipient of the Australian Plays Transform Erin Thomas Regional Playwrights’ Fund and presented her work at La Mama Courthouse, as part of the Explorations Season, and at the Brisbane Festival.
She is the founder of the Warrnambool Theatre Lab, Theatre Facilitator at disability arts organisation Find Your Voice Collective, and represents the National Institute for Dramatic Arts, facilitating NIDA Connect courses for young people from Southwest Victoria. Megan has spent 15 years in the education sector and currently teaches at Warrnambool’s Kings College.
Image by Joanne O'Keefe
LA MAMA PRESENTS STUCK
6-24 May 2026