Richard Burton Award opens in May 2012 with prize of $30,000

The Third Richard Burton Award for Playwriting, created by Sally Burton in association with Black Swan State Theatre Company, has new entry guidelines in 2012. With a prize pool of $30,000, the Award is one of the richest in Australia.

The Richard Burton Award for New Plays is in celebration of renowned stage and screen actor Richard Burton, and established to encourage great storytellers from across Australia to develop new work.

The Award is open to plays that have had a public season by a professional or cooperative company in Australia or overseas between 1 June 2009 and 28 May 2012. Entrants must be 21 years of age by the opening date and they must be Australian citizens or residents.

Sally Burton, in association with Black Swan State Theatre Company, will appoint a judging panel to assess the submitted plays. Shortlisted writers will be asked to submit a treatment of up to five pages for a proposed new work, with two selected and awarded commissions.

Black Swan will negotiate a commission agreement and a schedule for completion for two new plays with the Award recipients. The fee for a successfully completed commission is $15,000 per recipient. Black Swan will have the first exclusive right to produce the play.

Entries open 28 May and close 6 July 2012.
More information and submission guidelines can be found at www.bsstc.com.au