Call for Writers to Enter for 2015 SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition

Entries for submissions for The Imbewu Trust's 2015 SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition are now open. Now in its fourth year, the SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition is a platform for writers to have their work developed, with various prizes to be won, including a run at a Cape Town theatre and the opportunity to receive feedback at a week of staged readings with audience and industry professionals. There is also the chance to work with mentors to develop entrants' writing styles and scripts. Previous entrants have gone on to rework their text as a result of the open readings and some on to further professional runs. The 2014 winner, Joanna Evans, will have her play FOUR SMALL GODS produced by the Imbewu Trust for a run in Cape Town in September this year.

Criteria for the 2015 competition are that the scripts should be in English, no longer than 40 pages or 80 minutes long and with a maximum of five cast members. The Imbewu Trust and judges are looking for original content of outstanding quality that share the diverse range of South African stories. Deadline for submissions is 31 July. Information and the entry form are available on the Imbewu Arts website or vial email.

"The SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition has constantly evolved to ensure we are maximising the opportunities for writers to have their work nurtured," says co-founder of the Imbewu Trust, Samantha de Romijn. "We have been delighted that some of the entrants from 2014 have even sent us second drafts of their script, just as a process for feedback and development. This is our goal - to create platforms in which writers feel supported, share ideas and have a forum to discuss and get feedback on their work, a process which is often costly for artists to do, and so is often not rigorous enough. Including an audience in the journey of the creation of a play through post-show discussions, also assists to build future audiences."

The Imbewu Trust is a non-profit organization which was established to promote the development of contemporary South African theatre and arts and to help showcase it on an international stage. It seeks to create an accessible community of varied voices that can flourish through collaboration, resourcefulness and innovation. The Trust created the SCrIBE Scriptwriting competition to provide new opportunities for local writers to fully develop their work. The panel of SCrIBE judges comprises a group of seasoned theatre practitioners.

The shortlist of entrants will have the opportunity to have their play presented at a series of staged readings by a professional creative team at the end of September this year. The overall winner will have their play produced by the Imbewu Trust; a second winner will work with a professional writer to develop their script and a third will receive the financial prize of the Scribbler's Dream, and work with a mentor to develop their writing style.

Menzi Mkhwane's was the recipient of the 2014 script development award for his text Last Cow Standing. He has been working with Standard Bank Young Artist and award-winning writer, director and theatre maker Neil Coppen, and has already produced a revised version of his original script.

"Rising young writer Thomas Hopkins, dazzled us with his insight despite his age, submitting The Great Beginning. He won the 2014 Scribbler's Dream, and has been working with Neil on the script as well as a new idea," says de Romijn.