Playwrights are invited to submit either a sketch of up to 2500 words, which includes a story outline - beginning, middle, end - location and time, character profile, style of the piece and an example of 3 scenes with dialogue; or a draft of a complete play of up to 30 - 45 minutes.
The National Eisteddfod, in collaboration with a Consortium of companies and theater producers in Wales, offers a comprehensive bespoke package to the winning playwright to develop work and open a wider door to the theatre industry in Wales. The award, which is a commission to develop a script, offers the opportunity to write/develop a play as part of a detailed process to enable the playwright to extend his creative skills, in a safe environment, with the aim of producing an original piece of standard work for the theatre.
The adjudication panel (to include representation from all members of the Consortium) will choose the most outstanding playwright from among the applications to be awarded with the playwright's medal. The panel will be looking for a playwright who creates impressive, exciting work and challenges the imagination and mindset of an audience.
Award: Playwright's Medal and £3000
The money is presented jointly between the members of the Consortium in partnership with the Eisteddfod, and offers a prize of status that will contribute towards the career development of the playwright – the supporting package will offer expenses, and will be tailored in consultation with the winning playwright, reflecting the needs as required, e.g. it could include an element of mentoring if relevant. In addition to the financial prize, a sum of money from the Consortium will be set aside for developing the winner's work.
As part of the mentoring package, the panel, in consultation with the winner, will appoint the most suitable performance/production company/s within the Consortium according to the winning playwright's style of work. The development process ends with a reading of the full script at the Eisteddfod the following year.
In addition to the prize, which is a commission to develop a script, opportunities will be offered by the wider Consortium to include:
- Opportunity to shadow
- Opportunities to meet the team;
- Invitations to network;
- Career advice;
- Complementary tickets to see specific productions.
The details will be agreed with the winner and consortium after the Eisteddfod.
Consortium: Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, Frân Wen, Theatr Bara Caws, Theatr Clwyd, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Theatr Sherman, Theatr y Torch, Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch
Prize: Medal y Dramodydd (Playwright’s Medal) (in memory of Eiryth and Urien Wiliam, presented by their children, Hywel, Sioned a Steffan) a £750
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The play should not have been professionally produced, or received any awards, or published, to be eligible for this award;
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Plays that have not already been presented to any of the Consortium members could be presented;
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Applicants may submit as co-writers, sharing the prize money and the experience attached to the prize;
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The development process ends with a reading of the full script at the Eisteddfod the following year. The Consortium will have the exclusive right for 6 months after the reading to make the first proposal to develop the work further for a full production, after which the rights will be returned to the playwright.
Closing date: 1 April 2025 at 12 noon