Call for entries: 2023 BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition

The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers a unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.

Both winners will attend an award ceremony in London and see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A special commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).

Interested applicants should read the competition rules here before entering. Applicants can submit their entries online or download an entry form to enter via post or email. They should provide the following:

• A script for their 53-minute radio play with up to six central characters.
• A written synopsis outlining the complete story of their play. This should be no more than 400 words.
• A completed entry form.

Note:

• The competition closes for entries at midnight GMT on 12 February 2023 and is only open to writers outside of the UK. Entrants must also be over 18 as of 12 February 2023.
• The organisers will be unable to enter into any correspondence, except with shortlisted entries, and are also unable to acknowledge receipt of scripts.
• Applicants should not send amendments or further drafts once their play has been submitted.
• No cassettes, CDs, DVDs, MP3s, videos or sheet music should be submitted along with the play.

How to enter

Candidates should complete the entry form and send it along with their play and synopsis either:

By post to:

International Playwriting Competition 2023
BBC Audio Drama London
Room 6015
Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London W1A 1AA
United Kingdom

Or email to: radioplay@bbc.co.uk.

“We are looking for entries in two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language,” the BBC said. “The two first prizes can come from either category.”

View the original call here.