The Beeta Playwright Competition
7th Beeta Playwright Competition (2025): A Platform for Nigerian Playwrights
The Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF) announces the 7th edition of its Beeta Playwright Competition, one of Africa’s most esteemed opportunities for emerging writers. This competition is a career-launching platform for dynamic, untold stories.
Theme: Connected Realities: A Closer World in a Digital Age
This year’s theme invites playwrights to explore how digital evolution reshapes human connection, identity, and community.
Important Dates
- Pre-Submission Workshop (mandatory): Led by acclaimed playwright Dipo Agboluaje, this virtual session closes on 30 August 2025
- Submission Deadline: Final plays are due by 30 September 2025
Eligibility Requirements for the Beeta Playwright Competition
- Age Requirement: Nigerian playwrights aged 18–40
- Workshop Attendance: Must participate in the pre-submission workshop to submit your play
Benefits of the Beeta Playwright Competition
- Cash Prize
- Play Publication
- Professional Stage Production of the winning play
Esteemed Judging Panel
The competition is judged by luminaries including:
- Prof. Ahmed Yerima (Chair)
- Dr. Shaibu Husseini
- Ego Boyo
- Ibiso Graham-Douglas
- Kenneth Uphopho
- Ayo Jaiyesimi
A Legacy of Impact
BUAF, founded by actress-producer Bikiya Graham-Douglas, has consistently raised the bar in celebrating new African voices in theatre . The previous (6th) edition drew 40 finalists, offered a $3,000 prize, a laptop, a publishing deal, and a workshop opportunity with Utopia Theatre in the UK .
Why Enter?
- Gain professional exposure, training, and stage production
- Join a community of creative peers and mentors
- Keep your pacing and pauses compelling onstage—if you need help refining that, here’s a great resource on how to get your characters to pause effectively
Ready to bring your story to the world? Register now at beetauniversal.org and follow @beetaarts across platforms for updates.
