The BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition 2012 is on. The competition opened  on 1st May, 2012 and will close on 31st July, 2012. The competition is organized by the BBC World Service and the British Council, and creates several opportunities for budding and professional writers of non-UK residency.

There are two categories for the competition: the first is for writers with English as their first language, and the second for writers with English as their second language. Prizes include a trip to London to watch the play being recorded, attendance at an awards ceremony and £2,000.

The competition is open to writers above the age of 18, and all scripts submitted must be a minimum of 45 pages of A4 paper (or equivalent) and a maximum of 65 pages. The drama must be a 53-minute radio play with about six characters, and writers can explore any theme they wish. All entries should be the original work of the author(s), and must be submitted alongside the entry form, questionnaire and synopsis to [email protected]. Entries can also be delivered at any of the local British Council offices.

Entry forms can be downloaded here. Also read the rules here and ensure that you follow them to the letter. For more information, visit the BBC World Service website or the Commonwealth Foundation website.