PLAYWRIGHTS b4 25

Change the world - write a play!

We are interested in young writers who take risks and throw care to the wind, as well as those who write strong, conventional plays. Write about ANYTHING you like that matters to you in ANY way you like, for any kind of audience you like.

THE NEXT DEADLINE is 31 March 2012.

For all queries anytime, contact Jean.

Entrance requirements

This competition is open to any New Zealand citizen/permanent resident aged 24 and under at time of application. 

To be eligible, plays must not have had a professional production (pending productions, readings, workshops or amateur productions are fine). 

Apart from this, there are no rules!

How to submit

Email your submission to Scripts with the attached submission form: HOWEVER -

If you have difficulty downloading the submission form, all you have to do is ensure you include with your script:-

  • A cover letter with a brief introduction to yourself  (a CV if you like) explaining briefly how you came to write your play(s).
  • a list of characters with brief description 
  • a brief synopsis
  • confirmation that you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
  • confirmation that the play has not had a professional production (ask if you're not sure - it can be a grey area)
  • confirmation that the play is all your own original work
  • AND - please ensure the pages are numbered.

Additional Info

You may submit as many plays as you like, with no limits on length or cast size.

Check some published playscripts if you need an idea of how to format your play. Formatting style is entirely up to you - as long as it is easily readable.

Don't worry too much if you feel your play isn't 'production-ready'. A near-final draft with excellent potential has just as much chance of winning.

Don't feel you have to copy any other writer or follow any 'expert' advice either. 

Also, check out this article from The Guardian: Michael Morpurgo's top tips for writing.

Michael Morpurgo, former children's laureate, author of more than 120 books, including War Horse, and judge of the Wicked Young Writers' Award, offers his top advice for writers of all ages

 

PRIZE

A minimum of three plays will be chosen for development attention - what that is will depend on what your play needs, and the resources available where you live.  If possible and appropriate we would link you up with a professional theatre in your region. Everyone who makes the short list will be eligible for some feedback on their work.

 

PAST WINNERS

2011 Jess Sayer for FIX and Joseph Harper for The Boy and the Bicycle.  

Danny Aumua and Robyn Paterson were awarded some special development attention. Shortlisted were Ben Anderson, Charlotte Greenfield, Eli Mathewson & Hamish Parkinson, Louise Blackstock, Matthew Arrowsmith, Ralph McCubbin Howell and Stevie Wildewood.

2009 Kate Morris for Sketch; Martha Hardy-Ward for Silent Night; and Harry Meech for Plains. 

Shortlisted were Sophie Henderson, Kate Morris, Thalia Henry, Branwen Miller, Ashley Milne, Hannah McKie, Georgia Heard, Renee Maurice, Susan Jennifer Williams, Joseph E.Harper, Francesca Emms, Jonathan Riley, Hollie Sutton, James Wenly, Uther Dean, and Natalie Medlock.

2008  Kate Morris, Harry Meech, Martha Hardy-Ward.

2007 Ashley Milne, Thomas Sainsbury, Branwen Millar, Georgina Titheridge, Kate Morris, Thalia Henry



2005 Zoe Deverick, Paul Rothwell, Thomas Sainsbury, Owen Winter, Robbie Ellis, Kate Morris



2003 Benjamin Cleaver, Rochelle Bright, Thomas Sainsbury, Daniel Musgrove, Claire Van Beek, Miria George. Lisa Norriss, Sarah Robertson

2002 Thomas Sainsbury, Tui Matelau, Kathryn van Beek, Dean Hewison, Sarah Anne Robertson, Robbie Ellis



1999 Natalie Cannon & Aziza Simons, Ruby Brunton, Elsbeth Wood, Kerry Sheehan, Philip Braithwaithe, Anna Reveley