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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Open Call
Submit your drama or comedy-drama script to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers to be selected for further development schemes including the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers’ Scripted and Voices groups. Open Call accepts submissions annually with full details and dates on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Scripted
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers’ annual development scheme for exciting new writers identified through Open Call and other talent searches. The one-year scheme includes a programme of workshops and masterclasses before each writer is given professional script-editing support to help develop an original script they can use as an industry calling-card. Find out more on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Voices Groups
Each year around 70 new writers are selected via ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Open Call to be part of the Voices development group, which runs from hubs across the UK. The intensive six-month programme aims to progress the best local writing talent with expert-led masterclasses, craft sessions and roundtable discussions supporting each writer to develop an original TV drama series idea. Find out more about Voices on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Write Across
Development scheme for emerging writers focussing on specific areas of the UK. The eight-week programme is designed to empower writers to develop an original series idea through workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities. Write Across has its own specific application windows with details and dates available on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Writers' Access Group
Development programme for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers offering a programme of scriptwriting masterclasses, expert-led talks and networking sessions alongside freelance script-editing support to enable writers to develop their work. The programme lasts for 18 months and is open for applications every two years via the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Pilot
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers’ development programme for experienced writers with a professional credit and/or agent. Pilot partners writers with production companies across a year, with a paid commission to write the pilot script of a potential ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ drama series or serial, alongside masterclasses and workshops. Full information and dates available on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ National Short Story Award
Short story award for established authors worth £15,000. The award is for a single story of up to 8,000 words. Submissions open annually with information available on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ National Short Story Award website. -
Year-long opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to work with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem productions on a new stage play which they will develop into a TV pitch and receive a place on a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers Voices development programme. Applications open annually. Find out more on the Rollem productions website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ New Comedy Awards
Nationwide comedy search to find the best new stand-up performers. Shortlisted entries compete in televised regional heats across the UK with the winner from each performing at the final, broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One. The winner will receive a prize of £1,000, a paid commission to write and perform in a 30-minute audio pilot mentored by a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ comedy commissioner. Further information on the New Comedy Awards website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Words First
Development scheme to enhance the skills and confidence of spoken word artists aged between 18 and 30 including rappers, MCs and poets. Participants attend workshops with established artists to help develop their work with a shortlist then performing in front of a live audience at the Contains Strong Language festival. The scheme was last open for applications in spring 2025. Find out more on the Words First website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Alfred Bradley Bursary Award
£5,000 bursary and the chance of a Radio 4 Drama commission for writers based in the North of England new to writing for audio. Applications were last open in April 2025 via the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Drama on 4 website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Young Writers' Award
Writing competition in partnership with Cambridge University for stories of up to 1,000 words by authors aged 14-18. Five shortlisted stories are broadcast on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ with the writers attending a creative workshop and award ceremony broadcast live on Radio 4’s Front Row. The award is run annually with submission information on the Radio 1 website. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy Collective
Year-round opportunity for comedy writers and performers from or based in Scotland to develop new ideas and characters via experimental short-form sketches published on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Short Stuff website. Send the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scotland commissioning team ideas for new sketches at any time. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Short Stuff - send your content now
Year-round opportunity for comedy writers and performers from or based in Scotland to develop new ideas and characters via experimental short-form sketches published on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Short Stuff website. Send the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scotland commissioning team ideas for new sketches at any time. -
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Upload - send your content now
Showcase your creativity on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ by uploading any kind of content - audio, video, text or images - and what catches our attention will be broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio stations and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ digital platforms. Upload is open to submissions all year round based around the creators location. Find out more on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Upload website. -
Offering the UK’s most promising arts and humanities early career researchers the opportunity to share their pioneering research with ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 listeners along with unique access to training and support from AHRC and the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. Applications open yearly via the UK Research and Innovation website.
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Content creating schemes
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Writing schemes
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Performing schemes
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