Jacksonville, Fla.—Jacksonville University’s College of Fine Arts announces its annual Helford Prize contest, a national playwriting competition created by JU alumnus Bruce Helford. The winning playwright will receive $10,000, and have his or her play potentially produced by Jacksonville University’s theatre students. Deadline for submissions is on or before May 15, 2008.

Interested individuals must be United States residents and submit a full-length play that is finished, original, in English and has not been previously published or performed. In addition, the work should be in 12 pt. easy to read font, include page numbers at the bottom and run between 90 and 120 minutes. Musical submissions must include score and a recording of the music. The number of actors needed for the play should be between 5 and 10. There are no restrictions regarding theme or genre, although children’s plays are discouraged.

Authors must submit three copies of their play bound. The authors name should not appear on any page of the play. In addition, the author should submit a cover sheet containing their name, address, phone number and e-mail, the title of the play and a signed statement that the play has not been previously produced or published.

Submissions must be sent to: National Playwriting Competition, College of Fine Arts, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211. JU will have first production rights for the winning play. The playwright will retain all other rights, including copyright, publication and performance rights.

Helford, a Peabody award-winning producer, graduated from JU in 1975. He is president of Mohawk Productions in Burbank, Calif., and was the creative force behind “The Drew Carey Show” and “George Lopez.” In 2005, he began offering the $10,000 award as a call to spark new, creative playwriting. In addition, Helford wanted to provide JU theatre students the opportunity to work with a playwright and gain experience producing an original play.

For more information, contact the College of Fine Arts at 904-256-7345.