Young theatregoers with literary aspirations can once again take part in Wicked’s Young Writers’ Award as it returns for its third year with the competition now open for applications.
Spearheaded by War Horse author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, the long-running musical’s award aims to help develop writing talent in young people aged between five and 25 years old from all backgrounds and areas in the UK.
Speaking about the launch of the 2012 award, which will be judged by Morpurgo, fellow children’s author William Fiennes and the show’s Executive Producer Michael McCabe, Morpurgo said: “The Wicked Young Writers’ Award is something very close to my heart. Last year my fellow judges and I were delighted to read so many stories that were passionately felt and honestly written down, and where the young writers had found their own unique voices. I’m looking forward to another successful year.”
Budding writers have until 31 July to submit a piece of writing under 750 words on any theme or subject of their choice. The award is separated into five age categories; 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 14 and 15 to 17 year olds, plus an individual Gregory Maguire Award for older writer aged 18 to 25.
A shortlist of 100 finalists will be announced in the autumn and invited to a prize ceremony attended by the judges, the award’s patron, The Duchess of Cornwall, and members of the cast. Every shortlisted entry from the four younger categories will receive a published 2012 Wicked Young Writers’ Award Anthology of their writing, while the Gregory Maguire Award shortlisted writers will see their pieces published in an exclusive e-book.
The winning entrants will then attend a showcase of their work at the home of the award-winning musical, the Apollo Victoria theatre. They will also win four tickets to see the Oz-set musical and a writing master class from one of the judges.
McCabe said: “It is a testament to the success of the award that we now enter its third year in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and William Fiennes’s charity First Story; by combining our respective passion and resources we are proud to continue our commitment to encouraging and inspiring young people’s engagement with literacy and creative writing.”
For full details and tips on entering the competition, visit www.wickedyoungwriters.com
CM