Entries are now open for the TheatreFest New Work Award 2015.

Organised by the Isle of Man Arts Council and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) the competition is the inaugural initiative of TheatreFest15, the five-year project to promote new work for the theatre launched in May in the Isle of Man.

To enter, writers are asked to submit a one-act play themed on the subject of slavery. The winner of the TheatreFest New Work Award will see their play produced in 2016 for one night at the Talisman Theatre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire and be staged at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas in the Isle of Man as part of that year’s TheatreFest programme.

NODA chief executive Tony Gibbs said: ‘We believe this initiative to find a new work for the stage, with its potent theme of slavery - as prevalent now as it was in the past, albeit in a different guise - has the power to unlock exciting new writing talent as well as inspire established authors. We’re also delighted that Colin Dolley, a respected figure in the Guild of Drama Adjudicators, has agreed to chair the judging panel.’

Isle of Man Arts Council vice-chairman Michael Lees said: ‘As with all TheatreFest projects this initiative is open to writers everywhere, locally, across the British Isles and the world. Last year when we celebrated Island of Culture 2014 it brought forth some outstanding new work, so to be able to draw on that legacy in partnership with NODA and open up creative opportunities globally is a truly compelling proposition.’

The launch of the TheatreFest New Work Award coincides with the project’s website, www.theatrefest15.com going live.

For rules, terms and conditions, and to find out more about TheatreFest15, visit www.theatrefest15.com. 

(Closing date for entries September 4, 2015).