If you've ever thought about writing a radio play, this could be your chance. The BBC World Service and the British Council are sponsoring an International Radio Playwriting Competition. They are looking for scripts that will come out to about 53 minutes. They say:
"There are two first prizes - the best radio play by a writer with English as their first language and the best by a writer with English as their second language. The overall winners will each receive £2000 sterling and a trip to London to see their play being recorded for broadcast on BBC World Service.
We are very happy to run this year’s competition in partnership with Commonwealth Writers again and to welcome our co-producers - The Open University. This has allowed us to introduce another prize – the Georgi Markov prize for the most promising script.
The playwriting competition welcomes scripts from anyone living outside the UK, whether established or new, and encourages writers to use the immense power and accessibility of the medium of radio drama – to tell your story, use your imagination and have your “voice” heard. Reading your plays – and hearing the winning plays on air – is a unique way of hearing what’s happening around the world.
Do take the time to read the rules and tips before you send your script.
The competition is now open for entries and the closing date is midnight GMT on the 31st January 2014.
The great thing about radio is that with dialogue and a few sound effects you can create a picture in the mind of the listener that could require a fortune in special effects in a movie. At the other end of the scale you can also create an intimacy unmatched by any other medium.
If you're uncertain of the correct format to use, or how to deal with sound effects, the tips on the site explain it all. Good luck!