Calling for comedy scripts from Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority Writers in the UK!

Transition Stage Company is excited to announce Amplified, a comedy script competition specifically for black, Asian, and ethnic minority writers in the UK. We are seeking 10-minute comedy scripts that showcase your talent and unique perspective. This is your chance to shine!

We miss the 90s and 00s comedy renaissance of British Black, Asian, and diverse comedy sitcoms and TV shows like Goodness Gracious Me, Desmonds, and The Real McCoy. These BBC shows brought laughter and joy into our lives. Today, we believe it’s time to bring back more comedy, humor, and lighter storytelling to entertain audiences. That’s why Transition Stage Company is on a mission to discover the funny voices of diverse Britain.

‘Amplified’ is a part of the Enter Stage Write franchise—a platform that makes the seemingly impossible possible, even during the pandemic. It’s your chance to get your script on in front of the right people, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Amplified, now in its 2nd year, is the UK’s new awards writing show celebrating fresh and diverse comedy writing from a UK nationwide screenwriting and playwriting competition.

Here's what you need to know:
• Amplified is a franchise event from Enter.Stage.Write—an annual nationwide writing competition and show for scriptwriters.
• The deadline for script submissions to Amplified is November 20th, 2023, at 11:59 pm.
• We’re calling for submissions of ten-minute scripts for television, film, or theatre, allowing for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 characters.
• When signing up to the Enter.Stage.Write Franchise competitions and challenges you will have access to 4 masterclasses online for a year.
• Our panel of experts will review the submitted scripts and select a shortlist of five. These scripts will be adapted for the stage and performed by professional actors at the Amplified Grand Final.
• The ‘Amplified Grand Final will be an unforgettable night, featuring the performances of the shortlisted plays, alongside acts like dance, live music, and an award ceremony honoring the chosen writers. Due take place as part of three day festival called StoryTown between dates January 25th-27th 2024.
• Two main awards will be presented: The Amplified Champion award, chosen by the judges, and the Amplified Audience award.
• The panel of ten judges comprises executives and leaders from the worlds of television, film, and theatre.
• The Enter.Stage.Write Writing challenge that gives you access to the Masterclasses is open globally.
• The competition is open to UK citizens and residents only.
• The Amplified Champion will receive a £1000 cash prize, and the event takes place annually at the prestigious Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham.
• All submitted scripts remain on the Transition Stage Company database for a year. High-level industry executives have access to view and potentially option these scripts for production (opt-in, opt-out opportunity)
• Writers retain full rights to their scripts. We encourage writers to join the Writers Guild for guidance on protecting their intellectual property.
• This event not only raises the profile of writers but also highlights the talents of associated actors and side acts affiliated with Amplified and Enter Stage Write franchises.

Amplified is open to British citizens, residents, or students who are Black, Asian, or from other ethnic minorities. However, the Enter.Stage.Write challenge, which grants access to Masterclasses and feedback, is open globally.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your comedy writing skills. Submit your script to Amplified and let your talent shine!

Awards & Prizes

- Our panel of experts will review the submitted scripts and select a shortlist of five. These scripts will be adapted for the stage and performed by professional actors at the Amplified Grand Final.
-The ‘Amplified Grand Final will be an unforgettable night, featuring the performances of the shortlisted plays, alongside acts like dance, live music, and an award ceremony honoring the chosen writers. Due take place as part of three day festival called StoryTown between dates January 25th-27th 2024.
-Two main awards will be presented: The Amplified Champion award, chosen by the judges, and the Amplified Audience award.
- The Amplified Champion will receive a £1000 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

Amplified is open to British citizens, residents, or students who are Black, Asian, or from other ethnic minorities. However, the Enter.Stage.Write challenge, which grants access to Masterclasses and feedback, is open globally.

The other terms and agreements are identical to those for Enter.Stage.Write, which can be seen below:

1. Eligibility:
1.1. 'Enter Stage Write UK' competition is open to participants residing in the UK.
1.2. 'Enter Stage Write writing challenge' welcomes contestants worldwide, including the UK.
1.3. Non-UK citizens or residents are ineligible for the competition. However, they can participate in the Enter.Stage.Write Challenge, offering feedback on their short script, access to Master Classes, and inclusion in the Database.
1.4. Residency is determined through the ability to provide proof of the main address on a driving licence, appropriate Inland Revenue document, or, if unavailable, a phone bill with proof of address.
1.5. The competition is open to contestants of all ages.
1.6. Contestants under the age of 16 must indicate their age and provide their parents'/guardians' names and contact information on the script. Contestants under 16 should NOT include their names on the script.
2. Submission Requirements:
2.1. Submissions must consist of original plays or screenplays.
2.2. Translations or adaptations of existing works (plays, musicals, movies, TV series, books, etc.) are not accepted.
2.4. Plays exclusively intended for younger audiences are not accepted.
2.5. Entrants must hold exclusive ownership and control over all copyright and related rights to the submitted script.
2.6. Scripts must be submitted directly by the writer, not through agents or third parties.
2.7. Co-authored plays (by 2 authors) are allowed, but only one entry with a single set of contact details should be submitted.
2.8. Multiple scripts can be submitted, but a separate entry fee is required for each application.
2.9. Submitted plays/screenplays must be available for production.
2.10. Online submissions only. Paper entries will not be accepted.
2.11. Only the script should be submitted. No supporting materials such as CDs, photographs, reviews, or audio-visual materials are accepted.
2.12. All scripts must be sent as PDFs. Other file types may lead to disqualification or a request for a PDF version at the discretion of the 'Enter Stage Write' team.
2.13. The competition will open six to three months before the event.
2.14. Entries received after the submission deadline will not be considered, and entry fees will not be refunded.
2.15 if you decide to take Masterclasses first, you can pay a 20-pound fee and then email sarah@Transitionstagecompany.com. Please ensure that your submission and cover letter contain your name and receipt number and that the email title reflects this information. It is important to complete this process before the closing date.