THE Courtyard is inviting writers and playwrights to submit entries for next year's Write On Festival, the fifth, which takes place from July 1 to 4.

The search has expanded to include Herefordshire's neighbouring counties and the West Midlands, and the festival will showcase.new work from writers, directors and actors.

The four categories for submissions are: Scratch Night, One Act Play, Site Specific and Two Act Play. This year The Courtyard is running an award scheme and the best play, voted for by audience members, will receive £50 worth of theatre tokens.

This exciting opportunity aims to give voice to up and coming artists and develop their creative skills. The selected playwrights will be offered the chance to attend skills-based workshops and have feedback on their final draft by Nick Lane, former associate director of Hull Truck Theatre Company and currently a freelance playwright. Selected extracts of the work will then be recited or performed at The Courtyard during the festival.

David Durant, associate director at The Courtyard, said: “The Courtyard is committed to new writing, especially that of new staged productions, and so we're really excited to be involved with the Write On Festival again. Submissions can be made in any stage of development so get writing!”

Submissions should be sent to The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR. The deadline is 12noon on Monday, January 5. Successful applicants will be notified by January 25.

For further details contact David Durant by email at david.durant@courtyard.org.uk or call 01432 346532.