BBC Wales Drama Award launched (Welsh writers)

BBC Wales and National Theatre Wales, in partnership with BBC Writersroom, are inviting submissions for the third prestigious £10,000 Wales Drama Award.

The biennial award is both a celebration of writers in Wales and an open call to Welsh talent, whether emerging or established. It’s a collaboration between two creative leaders in drama – BBC Wales and National Theatre Wales – and was first launched in 2012.

The winner of this year’s Wales Drama Award will receive £10,000, and an opportunity to develop their script and work closely with both BBC Wales and National Theatre Wales.

Anne Edyvean, Head of Writersroom will lead the judging panel with Bethan Jones, Acting Head of Drama BBC Wales and Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director National Theatre Wales. They will joined by Julie GardnerMBE, producer and co-founder of Bad Wolf and award-winning director Euros Lyn.

Up to six shortlisted writers will be invited to meet with the judges in October 2016 to discuss their script and any ideas they want to develop, and the winner will be announced in November 2016.

The Wales Drama Award is run in partnership with BBC Writersroom.

Anne Edyvean, Head of BBC Writersroom said: “BBC Writersroom is delighted to be running the Wales Drama Award again with such great partners. I urge all you talented Welsh writers to grab this brilliant opportunity with all your available hands.”

Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales said: “It is wonderful to be collaborating againwith BBC Wales and BBC Writersroom on the Wales Drama Award; an award that throws a spotlight on the rich and diverse writing talent in Wales. The promise of discovering new voices and new stories is incredibly exciting.”

Bethan Jones, Acting Head of Drama, at BBC Wales said: “Writers are at the heart of our work at BBC Wales Drama. This Award celebrates and supports the creativity of Welsh and Wales based writers and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to forge new connections.”

Kelly Jones was the winner of the second Wales Drama Award in 2014, beating nearly 175 other applicants for her script Tammy.

Kelly said: “My time as winner of the Wales Drama Award has been incredible. It’s a great springboard in getting you and your words out there and provides a multitude of possibilities and open doors. I am truly thankful for all that it has done and still doing for me, it’s been a dream come true.”

What they are looking for: Writers must submit a full-length script in any medium, unperformed or unproduced or and in the English language and at least 30 minutes long.

A live interactive Q&A workshop will be held in Cardiff on Friday 20^th May 2016 – this will be an opportunity for writers to find out more about the award. For further details or to reserve your place at the event, visit the Eventbrite booking page and please be aware, places are limited.

Who can apply for the award:

You can apply for this opportunity if you were born in Wales or reside in Wales on a permanent/full time basis at the time of your application.

The Award Payment:The award will be split into two payments: an initial payment of £5,000, with a second payment of £5,000 payable on delivery of a completed script. Please see the terms and conditions for further details.

How to enter: Please visit  ‘How to Enter and T&Cs‘ section for details on how to submit your script.

Deadline: 29 July 2016 at 5pm (Submissions open on 18 July 2016)

Source: BBC Writersroom