DRAMA ASSOCIATION OF WALES
The Drama Association of Wales' services include the encouragement and support of new writing for the theatre in both English and Welsh. As an integral part of its new writing programme the organisation runs an annual playwriting competition, the prizes for which include consideration for publication and cash prizes. Previous winners have been published and performed in theatres throughout the UK and in many countries overseas. The association distributes information and entry forms to Regional Arts Boards and libraries in Wales and the rest of the UK, as well as to individuals across the United Kingdom, Europe and worldwide. They welcome entries in both English and Welsh and last year the competition attracted 187 entries, including scripts from many of the countries in mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America. Unfortunately, because they have very limited funding for this venture it is difficult to meet the expense of marketing the competition sufficiently, not to mention the cash prizes and indeed the publication of winning entries. The association would like to offer attractive cash prizes as an incentive. To encourage new writing talent, they would also like to produce, or at least have a reading of, the winning plays of each category. There are three categories in the competition: Youth (for a cast between 16 and 25 years old), Open and Welsh Language. They do not expect 'money for nothing'; so in return for total financial support they propose the package set out in full below this listing. Contact: Teresa Hennessy, PR & Member Services Officer. Address: Drama Association of Wales, The Old Library, Singleton Road, Splott, Cardiff CF24 2ET. E-mail:

Proposed sponsorship package

  •   Invite the sponsor to present the awards at the Wales One Act Festival Final at Theatr Clwyd, Mold. (Future competition results will be announced at different venues throughout Wales as the Wales One Act Festival is hosted by different Area Organisations).
  •   2011 Competition to recognise the sponsorship.
  •   The sponsor's logo to be incorporated into all competition marketing.
  •   Any publication of prize winning plays by DAW to bear the sponsor's logo.
  •   Advertising space in DAW's membership magazine for one year/four editions (each edition of the magazine is mailed to 700 contacts, half of whom are group members, so total readership is immeasurable).

Further funding possibilities for future years could include:

  •   Performances of a selection of the winning entries under the banner of the sponsor's name and logo. Closing date for competition 31st January.

TWO-HEADED
Two-Headed was first performed and produced by Noor Lawson and Liz McMullen in 2009 as part of Kingston's International Youth Arts Festival at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, with a short run to follow at the CornerHouse Theatre in Surbiton, directed by Helen Broughton of Middlessex University. Both productions were received with great acclaim: "Lawson and McMullen allow themselves to be consumed by their characters, before portraying them with effortless effervescence, that leaves you feeling like you are watching a moment in history, rather than a present day re-enactment", Vernon Nxumalo, National Theatre Entry Pass Reviewer: "From childhood playfulness, via tense maturity to relaxed old age, this pair of gifted young actors mesmerise in portraying these vibrant yet damaged 19th century Americans"; "Director Helen Broughton has brought out the best from this important play and her exceptional players. Performances and a production to cherish", Ian Davies, Chair of Artistic Committee at The CornerHouse, Surbiton. Two-Headed is scheduled for an eighteen show run at Giant Olive's Gaea Festival this September. Given the play's success in 2009, combined with Giant Olive's reputation and ever-growing patronage, the company anticipates a highly successful London production. Winner of three L.A. Weekly awards, including Best Play, Two-Headed is a captivating play about two friends whose lives are overshadowed by the dark events of their childhood. The play is set in the 'Wild West' during the nineteenth century. Immersed in a religious culture and constantly conflicted with the obligation to their community, Hettie and Lavinia have to choose to accept their lot in life or rebel against it. There are five scenes in which we see our protagonists Hettie and Lavinia age forty years, beginning as two young girls aged ten right through to two grumpy old grandmas aged fifty. "Jensen's intelligently unadorned voice is one worth listening to, now and in the future", Off-Broadway Review. The themes of the play can easily be transferred to modern society, where we see women constantly struggling for equality and independence either from religion, society or themselves. "With your help we can make the UK premiere of Julie Jensen's 'patchwork of poetry and wisdom' (Backstage Review) a huge success reaching wide and vast audiences. Together we will raise awareness of social issues such as: women's rights, polygamy and homosexual love. Due to the dramatic Arts Council cuts in Britain, Lawson and McMullen are currently seeking funding through other organisations both private and commercial. The entire production is budgeted at £4,100.00, including the costs of theatre hire, the rights for the play, PR and advertising, costume and set. It would be great if we could even manage to pay our artists. With the rights already secured, it´s now time to gather funds". Contact: Liz McMullen. Address: Flat 4, 35 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8HZ. Tel.: 07810 832596. E-mail:

Benefits

The sponsor's contribution will be acknowledged with the following:

  •   The Sponsor´s logo and links attached to our websites
  •   Mention in any interviews for newspapers and television
  •   A nightly commendation at each show´s curtain call
  •   Complimentary tickets to the premiere
  •   5,000 flyers to be distributed throughout London
  •   Prominently placed flyers sized A3

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