The Octagon Theatre has launched its first national writing prize: a competition celebrating new and original writing for the stage.
Entrants over 16 with any level of experience are invited to submit 40-minute dramatic monologues of any theme or genre, from children’s interactive storytelling, to adult horror. Judges will be looking for original subject matter, engaging speech and, above all, something that makes them sit up and take notice. The successful entry will be performed on the Octagon stage by professional actors, and directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Elizabeth Newman.
Reviewing the monologues will be a panel of judges, including Sue Emmas (Associate Artistic Director, Young Vic); Amit Sharma (Associate Director, Graeae); Aisha Khan (Artistic Director, Freedom Studios); Max Stafford-Clark (Artistic Director, Out of Joint); Stella Feehily (playwright); Lawrence Till (former Artistic Director, Octagon Theatre); Sue Roberts (BBC Audio Drama Producer for Radio 3 and 4, and editor of Radio 3’s The Verb); and Octagon Theatre Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman.
How to apply: Entries must be submitted by email, to literary@octagonbolton.co.uk, or by post, to Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB, by 26 February 2016. The monologues will be performed at the Octagon in 2017.
Deadline: 26 February 2016
Source: BBC Writersroom via Playwriting UK Facebook Group