Deadline: June 4, 2025
Applications are open for the BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026. 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.
Writers can enter in one of two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. The International Audio Drama Competition is run by BBC World Service and the British Council.
Benefits
- 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).
Eligibility
- Entry is only open to anyone who at 4 June 2025 is over the age of 18 and 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. They may require proof of eligibility.
- Entrants must not be BBC, BBC Group company, or British Council employees, close relatives of such employees or any person connected to the competition. Proof of age, identity and eligibility may be requested.
- Entrants should write an audio drama script of approximately forty to fifty minutes’ length on any subject of their choice.
Application
To enter, you’ll need to complete the form and supply:
- The script for your 40-50 minute audio drama with up to six central characters. This should be submitted as a PDF file.
- A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your audio drama. This should be no more than 400 words long and submitted as a PDF file.
Submit your entry online or download an entry form to enter via post or email. The application deadline is 11.00 GMT on Wednesday 4 June 2025.
For more information, visit BBC International Audio Drama Competition.
