The International Audio Drama Competition presented by the BBC in partnership with the British Council, 2026.
Applications for this opportunity are closed
The deadline passed on 3 June 2025. The details below are kept for reference.
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Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- AgeNo specific age required
- GenderBoth
Opportunity description
BBC World Service and the British Council announce the International Audio Drama Competition 2026. The competition is open to new and established writers who live outside the UK, provided they are 18 years of age or older on 4 June 2025. There are two categories for entry: one for entrants who speak English as a first language, and one for entrants with English as a second language.
Entrants should write an audio drama script on any subject, with a maximum of six central characters. The drama should be approximately 40-50 minutes in length and written in English. The competition is free to enter, and the prize in each category is \u00a32,500. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026 and participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms.
Benefits
A cash prize of \u00a32,500.
Opportunity to have your work aired on BBC World Service platforms.
Invitation to an award ceremony in the UK.
Eligibility criteria
Entrants must be 18 years of age or older on 4 June 2025.
Entrants must live outside the UK.
The script must be written in English.
The script should be approximately 40-50 minutes in length.
The drama should have a maximum of six central characters.
Ready to apply?
The International Audio Drama Competition presented by the BBC in partnership with the British Council, 2026.