Here’s an interesting contest announcement for the technologically- and dramatically-inclined:
The Missouri Review invites all writers and writers/producers to participate in our 2007 Audio Competition. We have categories suitable for all kinds of writers.
Voice-Only Literature. If you have a short story, a piece of creative nonfiction, or poetry that you think worthy of recording, enter this category. Pieces in this category are author-read and will not contain other tracks of sound (no music beds or sound effects, etc.) Entries will be judged on literary merit, technical proficiency, and suitability for broadcast. Note: Poets may enter one or more poems as a single entry as long as the total recorded time does not exceed the six-minute limit.
Time: 6 minutes or less.
Category award amount: $500
10-minute Play. Playwrights—here’s a chance to reach a broad audience with your short play. Assemble your voice talent (including yourself if desired) and make your recording. Include verbal stage directions as needed. Entries will be judged on the strength of the script, appropriate voice talent and technical proficiency, and suitability for broadcast.
Time: 10 minutes or less.
Category award amount: $500.
Narrative Essay. Just as in a personal essay, the subject matter and approach is broad. The “I” is present, and the essay is author-read. Additionally, the entry may contain additional layers of sound, including music, ambient sounds, sound effects, etc. Entries will be judged on literary merit, technical proficiency, use of sound, and suitability for broadcast.
Time: 7 minutes or less.
Category award amount: $1,000.
Documentary. This category is devoted to pieces that examine in some depth a time, place, person, event, pastime, trend, or other noteworthy topic. Entries will be judged on the strength of the writing and reporting, technical proficiency, use of sound, and suitability for broadcast.
Time: 10 minutes or less.
Category award amount: $1,000.
Also, up to five finalists selected from all categories will receive the Editors’ Choice Award and a cash prize of $100 each. Winning entries will be featured on the website of The Missouri Review, as Podcasts, and made available to subscribers of the print version of the magazine. In addition to cash prizes, each entrant receives a one-year subscription to The Missouri Review. All entries must be produced in English.
ENTRY FEE AND DEADLINE
$24 for each entry.
You may send multiple audio pieces in a single envelope, but each piece must be submitted on a separate CD. (For example, three entries on three CDs, with a total payment enclosed of $72.)
Entries must be postmarked by September 15, 2007.
Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order. Checks in US dollars should be made payable to The Missouri Review.
Technical requirements: Entries are accepted on CD only. CDs should not contain other audio other than entry material. Submissions must include:
Completed entry form for each entry
A copy of the entry on a CD, labeled with writer/producer, title and length
Brief program synopsis (short writer/producer bio optional)
Entry fee payment
Send Entries to:
The Missouri Review Audio Competition
357 McReynolds Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
For more information and to download entry forms, go here.
