Play Writing Festival Rules

1. The first competition is for one act stage plays with a playing time of between 20 and 45 minutes
2. The second competition is for short sketches of no more than 10 minutes length, These sketches should not contain more than four characters
3. Both competitions are for playwrights who have had no more than five plays previously published. Entries must be original plays not previously published or performed publicly before the closing date for entries. Playwrights under 20 years old are entitled to enter in the Junior category. The adjudicator will take age into consideration in these cases.
4. Four copies of each script must be submitted, typed on one side of the paper only, with double spacing between speeches and single spacing between the lines of a speech.
5. The writer's name must not appear on the manuscript. Instead the name and address must be sent on the official entry form, in confidence to the Competition Coordinator, who will forward the scrips but not the entry forms to the independent adjudicator. A stamped addressed envelope of suitable size for the return of the scripts should also be enclosed.
6. Playwrights may submit up to three entries in each category, but each must be submitted separately in accordance with the above rules.
7. The adjudicator will provide a brief written comment on each play, but not on the sketches.
8. By virtue of submitting an entry all playwrights will be deemed to have agreed to the entry being performed publicly by a group to be agreed by NANDA, after consultation with the playwright. It is hoped to stage an Original; Play Festival the following June when up to six plays and several sketches will be performed.
9. A shortlist of plays and sketches will be announced by NANDA three months after the closing date, and the authors of these will be notified by post. If the author has links with a drama group who wish to produce this play at the Festival this can be considered by NANDA. Alternatively, NANDA will endeavour to find a companies to stage the plays and sketches. If a full production cannot be arranged a rehearsed reading will be given. Although authors will be consulted over these matters, the final decision must rest with the Coordinator. (NANDA may wish to inform audiences in advance about any shortlisted plays which may be regarded as containing offensive material.)
10. With the director's agreement, authors will be able to attend some of the rehearsals of their plays, Re-writing for the purpose of staging will be permitted up to two weeks before performance. Such changes must be notified to the Coordinator.
11. The Author of the winning play will receive the Elspeth Whitaker Trophy, which can be held until the next competition. The winner will also receive a small cash award and a Certificate of Success. In addition the adjudicator may wish to nominate second and third places. NANDA may wish to consider publishing the winning play. In this event NANDA will meet printing costs, but will negotiate with the playwright over royalties and their collection.
12. The author of the winning sketch will receive a small cash award and a certificate.
13. If, in the opinion of the adjudicator, the standard of entries does not justify the full cash award, this could be reduced or withheld.
14. The decision of the adjudicator will be final, and no correspondence can be entered into with regard to the interpretation of plays submitted, or the adjudicators decisions.
15. Whilst every care will be taken of manuscripts, no responsibility can be accepted for their loss.