Call goes out to writing talent

Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse have announced a new competition to find the best upcoming playwrights from the East Midlands.

Submissions for the competition are now open and will close on July 15.

Fifth Word Theatre Company and Nottingham Playhouse are launching a brand new one-act play competition to uncover new playwriting talent across the region.

This is a unique partnership between one of the region’s leading producing theatres and new writing touring company and is supported by Arts Council England. The competition will give writers the opportunity to begin a relationship with Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse, which both have a proud history of staging new writing.

This competition is for writers who are early on in their careers, and who have not had more than one play professionally produced.

Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse are looking for original, compelling pieces written specifically for the stage that have contemporary relevance.

All entries will be read by a panel of artists and industry professionals.

Angharad Jones of Fifth Word said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Nottingham Playhouse to provide a genuine opportunity to identify the most talented home-grown writers. Ideally we’ll be finding the next Lucy Prebble or Simon Stephens so watch this space!”

The winner will receive:

A rehearsed reading of their play; a 12-month attachment with Fifth Word based at Nottingham Playhouse; £2,000 of development money; a mentor to support and guide them; £500 “Go and see theatre budget”

All entries will be read by a panel of artists and industry professionals. A rehearsed reading of the winning entry and extracts from runners up will be showcased at a special new writing event at Nottingham Playhouse in September.

Submissions now open and will close on the July 15.

The winner and runners up will be announced on September 8. To enter and find out more visit www.promising-playwrights.co.uk

Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse previously worked together on Amateur Girl by Amanda Whittington starring Lucy Speed. Touring nationally last year, it received critical acclaim with four-star reviews from The Times and The Guardian.