Category: BBC
Date: 15.03.2006
Printable version
As part of the Royal Court's 50th birthday celebrations the Royal Court and BBC writersroom are launching The Fifty, a mentoring scheme for 50 of the country's most promising new writers.
Writers nominated by 50 theatres from across the country gather at the Royal Court today (Wednesday 15 March) to launch the project with a day of workshops.
This year-long project includes each writer receiving a £1,000 bursary, and master-classes exploring writing for theatre, radio, television and film.
Over the course of the year writers will work closely with their specially selected mentors and are invited to submit material or proposals for an attachment to the Royal Court, and commissions for BBC Radio 3's The Wire, BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play and a BBC Television drama.
The project will be launched by acclaimed writer Hanif Kureishi and Alan Yentob, Creative Director of the BBC.
Alan Yentob says: "The BBC like the Royal Court has always sought out the best new writing talent.
"This unique partnership not only supports 50 original new voices but enriches the talent base for the wider creative industries in the UK."
Mentors will include BBC script editors and producers across the range of comedy and drama on BBC TV and radio, including shows such as Doctor Who and EastEnders.
The Fifty is supported the Peggy Ramsay Foundation.
SB
