FOLLOW US Call for application for the International Audio Drama Competition
Writers can enter in one of two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language.
Winners will receive a cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026, and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms. Flight and accommodation expenses are covered by the BBC. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).
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Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 29th International Audio Drama Competition (previously the International Playwriting Competition) which is now open for entries. The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.
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Location:
UKBenefits
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Monetary Award: Winners in both the “English as a First Language” and “English as a Second Language” categories receive a cash prize of £2,500.
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Professional Recording and Broadcast: Winning scripts are professionally produced and broadcast on the BBC World Service, providing global exposure for the writers’ work.
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Trip to the UK: Winners are invited to the UK to attend the recording of their drama and participate in an award ceremony. The BBC covers standard airfare and accommodation expenses.
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Recognition and Exposure: The competition offers writers from around the world the opportunity to showcase their storytelling abilities to an international audience, enhancing their professional profile.
Eligibilities
The International Audio Drama Competition 2026, organized by the BBC World Service and the British Council, has specific eligibility criteria for participants:
- Residency: Open to writers outside the United Kingdom.
- Age: Entrants must be over 18 years old as of June 4, 2025.
- Language Categories: There are two entry categories:
- English as a First Language
- English as a Second Language
- Script Requirements: Submissions should be audio drama scripts of approximately 40-50 minutes in length, featuring up to six central characters, and must be written in English.
Eligible Regions: North America (e.g., USA, Canada, Mexico) South America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Colombia) Europe (excluding the UK) Africa (e.g., Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya) Asia (e.g., India, China, Japan, Pakistan) Oceania (e.g., Australia, New Zealand) Middle East
Application Process
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Prepare Your Script:
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Length: Your audio drama should be approximately 40-50 minutes.
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Characters: Limit your drama to a maximum of six central characters.
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Language: Scripts must be written in English.
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Write a Synopsis:
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Provide a written synopsis of your drama, not exceeding 400 words.
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Complete the Entry Form:
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Fill out the official entry form, which can be found on the competition’s website.
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Submit Your Entry:
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Combine your script, synopsis, and completed entry form..Submit these documents via the online submission portal or follow the instructions for postal or email submissions as detailed on the competition’s website.
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Application Deadline: June 4, 2025 (49 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
