Picture the Scene - Our New Play Writing Competition

DEADLINE EXTENDED! (now 31 March 2018)

See below at Point 1 under the heading 'Submission Arrangements'

North Cumbria Scriptwriters (NCS) invites local writers to take part in our latest competition.

Writers are invited to submit a short play based around a picture.

The three winning plays will be staged in the studio at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick for one evening performance in October 2018 by local actors with local directors.

Entries that do not conform entirely with all the requirements listed in the particulars below will not be considered.

Entrants

1.  Entrants must live or work within Cumbria or have significant Cumbrian connections.

2.  Entries of a single play by two or more writers are welcome as long as this complies with all other criteria in this information.

The Play

1.  The play must be of one act, 30-35 minutes long and not previously performed.

2.  It must be suitable for acting:

• by a maximum cast of six,

• in conventional or traverse setting,

• with minimal, economical and lightweight set,

• with properties and costume implications likewise uncomplicated,

• with straightforward lighting and sound effects.

3. There must be a very clear connection between the play and the picture.

The Picture

1.  A single picture only is permitted. It must be suitable for featuring in black-and-white format in publicity and on programmes for the performance at Theatre by the Lake (TBTL).

2.  Any form of picture, including photograph, may be used and can be the entrant’s own work.

3.  Use of the picture in publicity and outcomes of this competition must not involve NCS in any copyright or permissions issues, whether costs or negotiations.

4. NCS will be happy to feature where practicable the names and briefest contact details of artists who have waived charges for the purpose of this competition.  

Format of Scripts

In order to assist the readers who will be evaluating the entries, entrants’ scripts MUST conform to ALL of the following:

1.  Scripts must be typed on white paper in Arial font, size 12 or larger.

2.  Scripts must be double-spaced.

3.  Speaker names ranged left (not above speeches centrally).

4.  Voice- and stage-directions clearly distinguished (e.g. italic).

5.  Printing must be single-sided with pages clearly numbered, but without any running headers or footers.

6.  Include a copy of the picture at the front of the script.

7.  Scripts must not carry any identification of the writer.

Submission Arrangements

1.  The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2018.

2.  Writers should submit one play only.

3.  Three copies of your script are to be submitted to:

     Carol Donockley

     30 Knowe Park Avenue

     Stanwix

     Carlisle

     CA3 9EJ

4.  On a separate A4 sheet provide your name, title of your play, Cumbrian residential address and other contact details.

5.  On the same sheet provide a signed undertaking worded as follows:

“This script is my own original piece and I recognise that NCS has no responsibility for any copyright or permissions implications financial or otherwise in regard to the picture or to any quotations and/or music featured”.

6.  Where plays are written jointly, adapt 5 above accordingly, all writers signing the undertaking.

7.  Acknowledgement of receipt will be made only if a stamped addressed envelope or card is included.

Selection of Plays

1.  Submitted scripts will initially be read by three members of NCS, none of whom has written a piece for the competition or has any knowledge at all of any scripts entered by NCS members. They will select five plays to go forward to Conrad Lynch*, Artistic Director at TBTL. He will have been totally independent of all previous proceedings and will decide on the three plays for performance.

* to be confirmed

2.  The three successful writers will then be contacted, with their names and the titles of their plays posted on this blog. The anticipated timing for this is late May 2018.

3.  If any of the three successful scripts is subsequently withdrawn by the writer, the three NCS readers will select one of the remaining plays on the shortlist for performance instead.

4.  Decisions in all cases are final. No opportunity for discussion or correspondence will be provided.

Performance Companies and Direction

1.  NCS will actively alert known performance companies to this opportunity to perform at TBTL.  Recommendations of companies and directors from writers are welcome, whether for their own plays or more widely in this competition, but NCS must actively make the actual selection.

2.  Once the winning plays are known, NCS will confer with potential performance companies and directors, expecting decisions to be made by 30 June 2018.

Subsequent Arrangements

1.  NCS undertakes to work with local actors, directors and others to ensure their commitment to the October 2018 performance. Once plays and performance companies are known, NCS will also assess whether further performances in the community of all three plays together is practicable, promoting accordingly. In any case, further performances of individual plays locally will be encouraged.

2.  Whilst firmly intending the successful writers to have as full an opportunity as they wish in developing their plays to full production, NCS reserves the right of decision in securing the viability of this venture.

Disclaimer:  NCS reserves the right to extend or vary any of the above particulars where the potential for a successful performance at TBTL is genuinely at hazard. Reasons for any such changes will be posted promptly on our website.