James Ene Henshaw Playwriting Competition 2021

Application Deadline:31^st March, 2021

The James Ene Henshaw Foundation invites submissions for the JEHF Playwriting Competition 2021.

We’re looking for plays that capture the pulse and moments of contemporary Nigerian society; writing with a unique voice that speaks to current and future generations.

The competition is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 years resident in Nigeria, for the best original play for the stage.

Submit your idea for a play in the first instance by completing the application form and sending it to: jehfcentre@outlook.com.

Closing date for submissions: 31^st March, 2021

If your submission meets the criteria for participation you will be invited for an online interview.

Successful submissions will be informed by 24^th April, 2021.

Up to 5 submissions will be selected following the interviews, and each successful candidate will be assigned a mentor to work with to produce a full length play.

Each candidate will receive N50, 000. The best overall play will be awarded a further N50,000.

CRITERIA

• Submissions are open to young people between the ages of 18 to 35 years.
• Submissions must be for the stage but may incorporate other art forms like dance, music, dance, poetry, and multimedia.
• Ideas must be original; interpretation of an existing piece of work already published may be accepted if it brings a fresh and unique perspective to the work.
• Ideas must be able to demonstrate the potential to advance the career of the applicant, and/or contribute to the advancement of the art form.
• Submissions must be able to be produced for a theatre environment, for no more than 6 performers, with a running time of between 45 and 60 minutes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Participants are expected to work collaboratively with their mentors, and make themselves available for advice and guidance.
• Participants must present their play before or on the deadline. No extensions will be accorded for any reason or circumstances whatsoever. Failure to submit by the closing day will render the writer disqualified.

• Each participant will receive N50, 000. This sum will be paid to the participant upon submission of the completed play script, signed off by the mentor.
• The best play, as judged by a panel of judges, will be awarded an extra sum of N50, 000.

TIMELINES

• Closing date for idea submissions —  31^st March, 2021
• Invitation for interviews — 16^th April, 2021
• Interviews — 20^th April, 2021- 23^rd April, 2021
• Notification of participation — 24^th April, 2021
• Assignments to mentors — 25^th April, 2021
• Submission of play scripts — 16^th July, 2021
• Notification of JEHF Playwriting Competition winner — 16^th August, 2021

Official Website: James Ene Henshaw Playwriting Competition