BBC Radio Comedy organising comedy writing information sessions

Are you interested in writing comedy for the radio?

As part of this year's BBC Radio New Comedy Award, BBC Radio Comedy will be running comedy writing information sessions for beginners to give them a taste of what Radio Comedy producers are looking for and to see what it takes to be a successful comedy writer.

From information about what opportunities there are in BBC Radio Comedy, writing and developing material, to pitching and developing your ideas, the session will aim to show you how to develop your skills and introduce you to the wider world of comedy writing.

The workshops will take place in Manchester (Cornerhouse, 9th September) and London (Hackney Empire, 28th September and 18th October).

There is no charge for these sessions, but if you want to take part you will need to register your interest with the BBC now.

What will happen at the workshops?

Each workshop will be three hours in duration, but split into two halves. The first part will include a panel discussion featuring writers and performers, and producers from BBC Radio Comedy. There'll be plenty of interaction and opportunities for you to ask questions.

After a quick break, the BBC will then give you a chance to pitch and develop your own comedy ideas, with some feedback from the panel.

How do I apply?

Send an email to newcomedyawards@bbc.co.uk with the wording 'WRITING WORKSHOP (and the date you'd like to apply for)' in the subject heading.

In the email, in no more than 300 words, you should tell the BBC:

1. Why you want to take part.

2. Your previous comedy experience, e.g. script writing, performance groups, comedy societies.

3. Any other writing experience that you have had. This could be just for your own benefit, published, online or anything that you've written because you need to write.

You should also include your name, age, a contact telephone number and postcode in the email.

The New Comedy Award production team will select who is given a place on the workshops by looking at 'relevant writing experience, or demonstrable writing ability' and 'experience in the comedy world or demonstrable interest in comedy'. The workshops are open to beginners so showing an interest in writing comedy is the key criteria.

The deadline is 5pm on the 5th September 2014

To see the full terms and conditions visit www.bbc.co.uk/newcomedyaward