Call for Applications: International Audio Drama Competition for Writers Worldwide 2025

Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 29th International Audio Drama Competition (previously the International Playwriting Competition) which is now open for entries. The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.

• Table of Content
• About BBC
• BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition
• Aim and Benefits of BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition
• Requirements for BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About BBC

We’re impartial and independent, and every day we create distinctive, world-class programmes and content which inform, educate and entertain millions of people in the UK and around the world. We do this across: A portfolio of television services, including the UK’s most-watched channel BBC One, the pioneering online-only youth service BBC Three, and our multi award-winning channels for children, as well as national and regional television programmes and services across England. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales Ten UK-wide radio networks, providing the best live music... re... continue reading

BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition

Aim and Benefits of BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition

• Winners will receive a cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026, and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms.
• Flight and accommodation expenses are covered by the BBC. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).

Requirements for BBC World Service/British Council International Audio Drama Competition Qualification

• Writers can enter in one of two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language.
• Entry is only open to anyone who at 4 June 2025 is (a) over the age of 18 and (b) not considered to be a resident of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (“UK”). Professional and previously published writers are eligible to enter, but this is not a requirement of entry.
• Entrants should write an audio drama script of approximately forty to fifty minutes’ length on any subject of their choice.

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Application Deadline

How to Apply

Submit your entry online or download an entry form to enter via post or email.

For more details,visit BBC webpage