Exciting news for script writers!:
The Performing Arts network of Southern Africa (PANSA) is pleased to announce the return of the Festival of Reading of New Writing – the scriptwriting competition for new, emerging or experienced writers. The 2017 competition was made possible by a grant of R1.8 million from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The competition is open to all South African based writers. The work must be an original script for stage, not previously produced in any shape or form. The competition rules can be downloaded from www.pansa.org.za/competition
To assist writers to develop and hone their craft, PANSA will arrange and run scriptwriting workshops prior to the submission cut-off date for the competition. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops, planned for mid-January 2017, please apply in writing before 24 December 2016. Workshop application forms are available from: www.pansa.org.za/competition
The submission deadline for finished scripts is the 31 January 2017. Successful regional candidates will be announced at the end of February 2017.
The reading of the plays of the shortlisted writers will take place over one weekend in four regions. The best script from each regional competition will go forward to the National final.
Prizes and Awards
Regional competitions National competition
| Best writer | R20 000 | Best writer | R20 000 | |
| Runner up | R10 000 | Subsidy for full production of winning script | R75 000 | |
| Honourable mention | R5 000 |
PANSA is a national network of performing arts practitioners, technical/stage workers, designers, administrators, educators, organisations, institutions and service providers. The organisation was established in June 2001 to unite the industry and work towards the collective interests of the performing arts community.
As a member-driven organisation, we aim to build a growing and supportive audience for an inclusive and united Performing Arts industry which is actively engaged in promoting and celebrating the industry’s achievements.
What PANSA Does
- We provide information and advice through our website, Facebook and Twitter, and email newsletters.
- We maintain a database of industry practitioners, companies and facilities that enables networking and marketing across the country.
- We facilitate networking and skills development opportunities for the industry to connect, and grow their skills and business acumen.
- We advocate on behalf of the industry for better working conditions, sustainable remuneration and more open and transparent industry relationships.
- We monitor and make recommendations on government policy and build positive relationships with public sector bodies.
- We provide support for research of the industry to generate an accurate picture of its internal and external impact
- We work towards building a bigger and better-performing arts industry … together.
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