Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 01:16 pm
In 2024, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio will once again serve as the vibrant backdrop for the highly anticipated scriptwriting competition gala, Enter.Stage.Write. This year, the event is set to be even more spectacular, with the return of the Amplified competition in its second year, exclusively dedicated to Black and Asian comedy writers, offering a platform for emerging talents to shine.
Supported by Birmingham Hippodrome and Broadcast Executives, these events promise an extraordinary showcase of creativity. The Enter.Stage.Write competition is currently open for submissions from UK writers, with the grand gala scheduled for January 25th and 26th, 2024. This event will be a central highlight of the StoryTown Festival, a celebration dedicated to exploring the innovation and artistry of writers in theatre production and technology. More details about StoryTown will be unveiled in the coming months.
The Enter.Stage.Write award gala offers a unique opportunity for writers to make their mark as the Enter.Stage.Write Grand Champion or the Amplified Grand Champion. Both competitions will come to life through captivating theatre performances, where five selected scripts will be brought to the stage before an engaged audience and a panel of industry experts, culminating in a prestigious award ceremony.
Founded by Natalie Edwards-Yesufu in 2017, Enter.Stage.Write goes beyond a competition; it champions regional inclusivity and enhanced representation in the UK’s creative arts landscape. The franchise’s growth is exemplified by its nomination for the prestigious Black British Theatre Awards at the National Theatre.
For writers who are passionate about plays and short scripts, this is a golden opportunity to stand out. A rigorous preselection process, guided by industry professionals, ensures that extracts from the finest scripts are brought to life by a professional team at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio.
The distinguished winner will receive a £1,000 prize, a year of support, and networking opportunities with theatre companies, TV, and film professionals.
UK writers are encouraged to submit their entries and take advantage of enriching Masterclasses. Submissions are open until November 30th. Natalie Edwards-Yesufu underscores the importance of celebrating writers in a changing landscape. As AI advancements garner attention, the Enter.Stage.Write Renaissance recognizes the vital role of writers, leveling the playing field, and acknowledging their contributions during the pandemic.
Esteemed judges for this edition include headlining judge Chris Sudworth, Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome; Darcia Martin, Director (known for BBC’s Call The Midwife, Three Little Birds – BBC, Ritchies – ITV Amazon); Lisa Walters, a BAFTA-winning Producer (known for BBC’s Mood, Queenie, The Edge – BAFTA Channel 4); Scott Pope, Development Executive at Expand Media (Sky Studios), Peter Lloyd series producer (known for BBC Doctors). More judges will be announced.
Previous champions have secured representation, helmed film projects, and flourished in theatre pursuits. Your journey could parallel theirs: Abraham Adeyemi, commissioned by Channel 4 to create a film called ‘Chasing The Night.’ Tonia Daley Campbell, now a full-time writer and director in theatre, with the acclaimed ‘Wanted’ staged at Wolverhampton Grand, and Jonathan Skinner, whose script ‘Indignitas‘ was adapted into a film directed by Judge Darcia Martin, starring Mark Addy (Game Of Thrones) and Bethany Antonia (House Of Dragon).
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Enter.Stage.Write 2024 and Amplified. Embrace the call, ignite your imagination, and embark on a journey of creativity and brilliance.
Chris Sudworth, Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to support Birmingham’s award-nominated and progressive Transition Stage Company with their annual showcase of brilliant – and funny – new writing from across the UK. As the Hippodrome steps into a new phase of support and production with regional creatives, we’re particularly excited to see what work emerges from Midlands artists to shine on platforms such as this, celebrating creativity and diverse talent.”
Apply to Enter.Stage.Write here and Amplified here. Discover more about Transition Stage Company at transitionstagecompany.com
