Open to AWL Members only.

Write a short play: five minutes minimum and TEN MINUTES MAXIMUM relating to the theme: “Strange Bedfellows”.

Plays should be for a minimum reading time of 5 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes. If you are not certain just how long your script will take, be advised that an average page (a mixture of longer and very short speeches) in 14pt Times New Roman font, lasts about 1 minute. It is also worthwhile taking a few minutes to time your entry by reading it as if in performance.

It is important that all writers are present when their plays are performed. Please do not submit a competition script unless you intend to be there. If you subsequently find that you will be unable to attend on Competition Night, please let the organiser know immediately, so that arrangements can be made to select an alternative entry.

Please preface your entry with notes on the characters, a brief summary of the content, and, for purposes of anonymity during selection, submit under a pseudonym rather than your own name.

As we usually receive more scripts than we can schedule on these occasions, entries will be reviewed by a selection panel. Bear in mind that it’s only a bit of fun. It is better not to enter at all if you can’t stand the thought of your play not being selected.

To avoid any confusion, please choose a name for your play that is not the same as the competition theme.

Give AT LEAST TWO copies of your script (more if there are numerous parts to read) to Wally Sewell at an AWL meeting. Wally will keep a register of entrants’ names but will not pass on this information. He will play no part in the selection process.

The same degree of anonymity will be preserved on the evening of the competition itself, when the selected scripts will be presented under pen names until the winners have been decided by vote.