The Wicked Young Writers' Award, launched in 2010 to encourage and recognise young writing talent, returns with War Horse author Michael Morpurgo as Chair of the judging panel, which will once again include Michael McCabe, executive producer of Wicked, and Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust.
Michael Morpurgo said of the award, "I am delighted to be involved in the Wicked Young Writers' Award. We all have a story to tell or a poem to sing. The problem is finding the voice to sing it.
"The Wicked Young Writers’ Award, with teachers and parents, helps to inspire so many young people to write passionately and from the heart, and to celebrate their own unique voice.”
The Award is now open for entries which can be written in poetry or prose from either individuals or school groups. There are five age categories, four from ages 5 to 17 and one for those aged 18 to 25. The final date for entries is 31 March 2014.
Hit show Wicked is based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum. The London production is one of nine worldwide. A major UK tour of the show started this month.
For further information about the Award, visit www.WickedYoungWriters.com.