Free contest, Shine TV - NYT Scriptwriting Contest, prize: masterclass programme with Shine producers (UK)

Deadline: 3 January 2011

National Youth Theatre is teaming up with Shine Drama (creators of Merlin, Sugar Rush, Hex and Demons) to offer a group of new emerging writers the opportunity to take part in a 10-week masterclass programme.

Led by NYT dramaturgs alongside Shine producers and script editors, the winners will join six weekend workshops providing:

* Expert advice and skill-building opportunities in script development

* The art of storytelling for theatre and television

* How to pitch ideas to commissioners and directors

* The start-to-finish process of an idea from conception to delivery

After the 10-week programme, some chosen writers may be asked to stay on to participate in a flexible, 12-month mentoring programme.

You’ll need to be available for workshops beginning in February 2011 over the course of 10 weeks. There will be three weekends of contact time during this period and one day of showcasing the work mid-week.

This brief is open to 17-30-year-olds.

To apply, you’ll need to submit a script – no longer than 20 pages on one or more of the themes from this year’s NYT season:

The F Word; Fear, Faith and Fundamentalism.

Scripts can be self-contained completed scenes, a single story, multi-stories or an extract from a longer script. They should be pasted into your application form.

Apply here.