| Submissions Now Open for Richard Burton Award for Playwriting |
| Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:13 |
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The Richard Burton Award for Playwriting, created by Sally Burton in association with Black Swan State Theatre Company, is now accepting submissions. Entries close on Friday, 6 July 2012, and shortlisted writers will be notified by 17 August. With a prize pool of $30,000, the Richard Burton Award for Playwriting is one of the richest in Australia. Now in its third year, the Richard Burton Award for New Plays was established to celebrate the career of Richard Burton, one of the great actors of stage and screen, and to encourage great storytellers from all over Australia to develop new work. The Award has new entry guidelines in 2012: the Award is open to plays that have had a public season by a professional or co-operative company in Australia or overseas between 1 June 2009 and 28 May 2012. Entrants must be Australian citizens or residents and at least 21 years of age by the opening date. Sally Burton, in association with Black Swan State Theatre Company will appoint a judging panel. Submitted plays will be assessed by the judging panel and shortlisted writers chosen on the strength of these works. Shortlisted writers will be asked to submit a treatment of up to five pages for a proposed new work, with two selected and awarded commissions. Black Swan will negotiate a commission agreement and a schedule for completion for two new plays with the Award recipients. The fee for a successfully completed commission is $15,000 per recipient. Black Swan will have the first exclusive right to produce the play. Sally Burton said, "Richard was passionate about good writing and believed in developing new talent. I am looking forward to this new Award format and the calibre of work it will produce." Kate Cherry, Black Swan State Theatre Company's Artistic Director said, "This ongoing initiative to further talented playwrights, a partnership between Sally Burton and Black Swan, is intended to be both an incentive and encouragement for playwrights across Australia. 2012 will be a pivotal year for this Award and we can't wait to see what it will bring." 2012 DATES AND DEADLINES - Mon 28 May: Award applications open Fri 6 July: Award applications close Fri 17 August: Shortlisted writers notified Mon 17 September: Deadline for treatment by shortlisted writers Wed 31 October: Award recipients announced More information about the Richard Burton Award for Playwriting and submission guidelines can be found at www.bsstc.com.au. |
