BBC and British Council launch radioplay contest

On Saturday 16 October, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service, in partnership with the British Council, launches the 12th International Radio Playwriting Competition.

Writers around the world are invited to write a one-hour radio play on any subject. Participants have five months to write their play and the winning entries will be broadcast on BBC World Service in autumn 2011.

There are two first prizes: one for writers for whom English is a first language, the other for those with English as a second language.

Last year, for the first time, English as a second language entries overtook the first language entries. The competition is unique in that it is only open to writers outside the UK. The winners – last year's were from Ghana and USA – also receive a trip to London to see their play recorded.

This competition never fails to elicit a truly impressive response. Last year, more than 1100 entries were received.

Entries are welcome from published authors as well as from writers who are totally inexperienced. Former winners have gone on to write again for BBC World Service Drama, making the competition a potential launch-pad to a future career.

The deadline for submitting applictions in March 31, 2011.

Applicants are requested to send their play, application form and abstract electronically to radioplay@bbc.co.uk.

Hard copies can be delivered to:
Playwriting Competition 2011
BBC World Service Drama
Room 823b, South East Wing
Bush House
London WC2B 4PH:

The application forms are available at British Council and BBC World Service websites.