Open call: International Radio Playwriting Competition 2020, UK

Publish Date: Oct 26, 2019

Deadline: Jan 31, 2020

Open call: International Radio Playwriting Competition 2020

The International Radio Playwriting Competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for playwrights to have their radio play heard across the world by the BBC World Service's millions of listeners.

Whether you're an established or a completely new writer, the competition welcomes scripts from anyone outside of the UK. The radio dramas can be on any subject you like, as long as they are 53 minutes long.

This year the two first prizes can come from either the English as a First Language or the English as a Second Language category. Both winners will receive a cash prize of £2,500 sterling, travel to London to attend an award ceremony, and see their plays recorded before they're broadcast on the BBC World Service.

What is the prize?

The two winners will have their plays recorded and broadcast on BBC World Service. They will also receive £2,500 sterling and a trip to London (including airfare and accommodation for one person) where they will attend an award ceremony. we’re delighted to also be awarding a Special Commendation in the name of the writer Georgi Markov, for the play with most potential on the shortlist.

Who is eligible?

Entry to the International Radio Playwriting Competition 2020 is open to anyone over the age of 18 (as of 31 January 2020), who is not normally a resident of the United Kingdom. Both new and established writers are encouraged to apply. There are two categories for entry. One is for entrants who speak English as a first language, the other for entrants with English as a second language. The BBC may require proof of eligibility for the second category.

How do I apply?

Entrants should write a radio play of approximately 53 minutes' length on any subject of their choice. The play must be written substantially or entirely in English. Your script should be accompanied by a short synopsis, of no more than 400 words, which outlines the complete story of the play.  

When is the deadline?

The competition closes on 31 January 2020. Entries must be received at your British Council office or at the BBC in London by 23:59 (GMT) on 31 January. If you are applying via post please allow at least seven working days for international post to arrive in the UK. 

What should my play be about?

The play can be on any subject you like and should be approximately 53 minutes length (this is a word count of approximately 9000-10,000 words). The play should have a maximum of six central characters (although there may be up to three small "doubling" characters who don't have more than a few lines each). There must be no central roles for children.

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://theatreanddance.britishcouncil.org/blog/2019/internationalradioplaywriting2020/?fbclid=IwAR0Qglp9jMKFh4iOLsmUK7bHKkI0bA3iF5U44v3R5ddJUFFH_bKLblZi4Ac

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Disciplines

Writing

Opportunity Types

Competition

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

United Kingdom