Inside the Clocktower Centre, an artistic vision becomes reality

A black box in theatre terms is, simply, a space of opportunity without accoutrement. It is in this space at the Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds, that playwright Bek Schilling is enthusiastically describing their upcoming work. 

They are using the Studio space to realise their vision as part of their artist residency offered through Moonee Valley City Council’s Ignite and Create program. 

The program, funded by the Clocktower Centre and strengthened by the Igniting Creativity Arts and Cultural Strategy, fosters creative work by providing access to space, expertise and support. It enables artists to develop their creative ideas into tour-ready performances.  

Bek is taking advantage of 14 days exclusive use of the Studio space as part of the residency to rehearse and refine their play. 

“I applied for the Clocktower residency because I had started to write the show through other fellowships and opportunities, but I hadn’t had chance to develop it in a space with actors, active feedback and collaboration,” Bek said. 

“So, this presented itself as the perfect opportunity to get to do that sort of work done and take it to the next level. 

“My goal for my time for the Clocktower residency is to have a full development of the script, we are already on draft four or five. The end goal is to work to get this together for a 2027, or 2028, season.” 

Fresh take on Australian theatre

Bek, a Federation University Music Theatre graduate, talks excitedly about new Australian plays that offer stories from a different lens and revels in the opportunity to celebrate Gen Z humour and points of view. 

They have recruited a team of like-minded actors to participate in the rehearsals and have also been supported by the expertise of the Clocktower Centre’s lighting technicians and sound designers to support their work’s development. 

The play is a sharp but relatable take on our travel experiences and relationships. They intend to defy audience expectations of theatre by exploring dark comedy and bringing a lot of horror, thriller and gore elements to the stage. 

Simply called “Contiki.” The story takes place in Italy and is about two twenty-something best friends on a Contiki tour. It asks: “how well do we really know people we travel with?” 

A collaborative process

Bek described the development process at the Clocktower Centre as an awesome experience. 

“The work I am developing in particular has a lot of technical elements that intensifies what we are doing,” they said. 

“We are able to work with the techs at the Clocktower Centre to bring that vision to life and take the words off the page and bring them to life. 

“It’s a 70-minute non-stop show.” 

In addition to space and technical support, residents receive professional development workshops on presenter priorities, marketing and grant applications. 

The Ignite and Create Residency invites applications from creatives each year, with up to three residencies being offered. Applications for the 2027 residencies  will open in June 2026.