Would you like to win a trip to London and have your play broadcast across the world on BBC World Service? If so, the 2023 International Radio Playwriting Competition is now open to entries!
Application Deadline:12th February 2023 midnight (GMT)
To Be Taken At (Country): London, UK
About the Award: What story might they like to hear? What new world can you introduce them to? Tell us stories with imagination and passion. Find your voice and use your voice.
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The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, in partnership with co-producers The Open University, offers the unique opportunity for playwrights to use the medium of radio drama to reach an international audience.
The last competition in 2019/20 attracted 850 entries from 104 countries, with regional winners coming from Colombia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.
Neil Webb, Director Theatre and Dance, British Council, says: “This competition is an important part of the British Council’s programme of developing new playwrights around the world, discovering new talent, and helping global artists find new opportunities.
“Sharing stories is a powerful way for us to connect with different cultures and difficult issues. Every competition we hear original voices with extraordinary stories to tell from all corners of the globe – including from people who wouldn’t have considered themselves playwrights before. I look forward to reading the fresh voices and inventive scripts for this year’s competition.”
The shortlisted scripts and judging panel will be announced in due course. Previous judges have included Kwame Kwei Armah, Dame Eileen Atkins, Doris Lessing, Roy Williams, Patricia Cumper and Nina Sosanya.
Type: Contest
Eligibility: Anyone aged 18 or over and living outside the UK – whether you’re an established writer, completely new or anywhere in between.
Number and Value of Awards: We are looking for entries in the two categories: English As A First Language and English As A Second Language. Two writers will win an invitation to attend an award ceremony in London and will get the remarkable opportunity to see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A Special Commendation will be made for a runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).
The two winners can come from either category and there will also be regional winners named to showcase the best writing from across the globe..
How to Apply:
The International Radio Playwriting Competition welcomes scripts from anyone outside the UK, whether established or new writers. The dramas need to be 53 minutes long and can be on any subject. The closing date for entries is midnight (GMT) on 12 February 2023. Further details on the competition, including Rules, Privacy Notice and how to enter, can be found here
Visit the Program Webpage for Details
