The BBC are now accepting applications for this year’s Felix Dexter Bursary. The Bursary, now in its fourth year, aims to develop talented comedy writers who are Black, Asian and other ethnic minority writers or writing duos aged 18 or over. The opportunity, offered by BBC Comedy in partnership with the BBC Comedy Association (BCA), is designed to find writers with a fresh, unique point of view and the potential to help shape the future of comedy, whether within the BBC or elsewhere in the industry. It aims to make a positive intervention to address an under-representation of Black, Asian and other ethnic minority professionals in comedy production across all broadcasting.
Unlike most bursaries that culminate in a one-off prize, this bursary gives trainee writers the chance to focus on comedy, writing full time over six months, while immersed in comedy production. They hone their skills while gaining experience on a range of BBC comedies across radio, TV and online, on panel shows, shorts, sitcoms or comedy entertainment shows – building the confidence needed to take the next step in their career.
To apply for the Felix Dexter bursary, applicants will need to send:
- A sample comedy/sitcom script that is a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes in length
- Answers to the application questions as outlined in the full terms and conditions
- A writing CV with a short profile biography
The deadline for applications is 19 March 2021.
Find full application details on the BBC’s Commissioning website