TV MOGULS have thrown their support behind a competition in the Midlands to find the next big screen or stage writer.
Bosses from Channel 4 including Lee Mason, who is the commissioning editor for drama at the television station, are throwing their weight behind a screen and stage writing competition running across the Midlands this month; which is aimed at giving budding writers the opportunity to see their work performed, published and perhaps even commissioned.
The visit by Mason is a massive boost to The Transition Stage Company, launched last month by Sutton Coldfield-born actor Natalie Edwards, who devised the competition called ‘Enter Stage Write’ to give aspiring screen and stage writers across the UK the chance to see their work brought to life.
Enter Stage Write is open to anyone in the region to write and submit a seven to 10-minute play. The shortlist mini-plays will then be performed at the Birmingham REP Theatre on September 19 at a glittering night which will see entrants, actors and dignitaries alike arrive to a red carpet reception.
Edwards, currently playing a guest role in the BBC1 series Doctors but whose career has taken her as far as New York City, said she felt compelled to launch the competition with so few screen writers ever given real opportunity.
"The sad reality is that there are many highly skilled creatives in the West Midlands hungry for a chance to prove themselves," she said.
"Unfortunately, their talents are overlooked or they are forced to travel to search elsewhere for exposure. Enter Stage Write provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge and reward creative writing talent right here in our region. “
The red carpet event will showcase the shortlisted ten plays, with cash prizes, trophies, and the opportunity for applicants to have their work published. Edwards wants all of the winners to get the recognition they deserve.
A guest panel of judges made up of industry experts and business and community leaders will select the finalists. The winning scriptwriter will receive £1,000 cash prize.
Edwards added that the Transition Stage Company would be encouraging all aspiring writers to enter the competition. She said there was no age limit and 10 percent of profits from the event would be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
To enter the competition, visit the Transition Stage Company website [2] and follow the guidelines. Information is provided on how to submit an entry and there is additional info on workshops to assist writers with their writing. The closing date is August 31, 2017.
For tickets to the show on September 19, click here [3].
For details on Transition Stage Company, email Natalie Edwards on: natalieyesufuedwards@yahoo.com [4] or call her on +447446739099.
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