The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, the richest of its kind in Europe, is again open for entries from anyone aged 16+ in the UK, Ireland and British territories with a story to tell. Between now and June, established writers and those who may never have written a play are encouraged to submit scripts through an anonymous judging process, which means each entry is judged on its merit. Successful scripts will then be developed for the stage in association with Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre’s creative team.
Kwame Kwei-Armah, whose first performance as an actor took place at the Exchange, is to chair a panel of judges with a variety of experience, from performers to writers, directors, poets and journalists.
As well as an overall winner, who takes home £16,000, there is a Judges Prize of £8,000 and two new awards in 2019: a prize awarded to debut writers (Original New Voice: £8,000) and voices from Australia, Canada and the USA who will be invited to enter by the Prize’s international partners.
To encourage those who have not previously written for the stage, the Prize will release a 10-week online playwriting programme featuring tips on how to approach writing a script. In addition, all writers will be able to follow a series of live-streamed, online workshops.
Bruntwood Prize-winning plays have been produced in the UK and abroad, with 24 appearing in 38 UK venues and as far afield as Australia, the USA and Canada since 2005.
Submissions are open until June 5 via the Write A Play web site, where further information is also available.
A shortlist will be announced October 14, and the winner November 4.