Entries open for fifth year of Wicked Young Writers’ Award

Jennifer DiNoia

Wicked has announced the fifth year of the Wicked Young Writers’ Award. Entries are now open (details below).

The Award was established in 2010, spearheaded by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people between 5-25 years of age from all backgrounds and areas of the UK & Ireland.

Over 20,000 young people have since entered original and thought-provoking pieces of writing that consistently reflect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first-look at the emerging voices of a new generation.

Championed by Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, the Award this year welcomes Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, to join the panel of judges alongside Michael McCabe, UK Executive Producer of Wicked, and Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust.

The 2015 Award also marks the launch of the Sugarscape Fan Fiction Award, a brand new category created to celebrate the growing popularity of fan fiction amongst young people.

Cressida Cowell said: “I am delighted to be asked to be a judge on the Wicked Young Writers’ Award, especially in this 5th anniversary year. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust it is wonderful to be involved in an award which celebrates young people’s writing and creativity.”

Jonathan Douglas said: “I’m thrilled that the Wicked Young Writer’s Award is back for a 5th year and I can’t wait to read stories and poems from some of the country’s most creative budding writers. The National Literacy Trust believes that taking part in writing challenges and awards can have a lasting impact on pupils’ attitudes, motivation and enjoyment, which in turn can help to boost attainment and support them to reach their full potential.”

Michael McCabe said: “Wicked is a musical with literary roots, based on Gregory Maguire's best-selling book that re-imagined the fantastic characters first brought to life in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. We are delighted and proud that the success of Wicked has enabled us to support the Wicked Young Writers’ Award for a 5th incredible year, and we are honoured to once again be working with the next generation of writing talent.” 

Details

• Pieces of writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until Friday 18th April 2015. 
• A shortlist of 100 entrants will see their poem or story published in the Wicked Young Writers’ Award Anthology and will be invited to a very special prize ceremony at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in July 2015. 
• The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to Wicked London, including an exclusive backstage tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 worth of book/eBook tokens, plus £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books.
• The winner of the Sugarscape Fan Fiction Award will see their work published on Sugarscape.com and will be treated to lunch with the Sugarscape editor before their special Wicked experience.
• The school with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective school.

Please visit www.WickedYoungWriters.com for further information. 

Read our interviews with Michael Morpurgo and Wicked star Jennifer DiNoia

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Follow @West_End_Frame