BBC Norman Beaton Fellowship

Each year the BBC Norman Beaton Fellowship seeks to find a broad and diverse range of new acting talent, particularly from those who may not have easy access to conventional routes into audio drama.

Are you a professional actor who didn’t train at an accredited drama school? 
Do you have a versatile voice? 
Would you like to work in audio drama? 

Each year the BBC Norman Beaton Fellowship seeks to find a broad and diverse range of new acting talent, particularly from those who may not have easy access to conventional routes into audio drama. 

 

“ …. Norman Beaton played my dad in a long running BBC radio drama series, Citizens, in the early 1990’s, but his stellar career as an actor began many decades before. Norman was a beacon in whose light many actors of colour travelled.    This fellowship, in Norman’s name and honouring his pioneering light,  is here to open pathways into radio drama for all those who, like me, from a variety of beginnings, may have had to follow a non-traditional path into the profession.     If that is you, do consider applying for the NBF as a wonderful opportunity to progress your unique career path … Time to shine your light ! ” 

Adjoa Andoh, actor  

 

To qualify for an audition:

  1. You must not have attended a full-time drama course at a Drama UK or Conservatoires UK accredited drama college.* 

  1. You must have professional credits in theatre, television or film. 

  1. You must have a versatile voice and an interest in working in audio drama. 

*Please see website for full terms and conditions.

 

To apply: 

  1. Request a BBC NBF 2021 application form from rebecca.wilmshurst@bbc.co.uk 

  2. Email the completed application form to Rebecca Wilmshurst to be received and acknowledged by Friday 20th August 2021. 

The three Stage event runs from September to early November 2021, and is open to anyone who meets these criteria, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability. 

The winners receive a five-month contract with the BBC Radio Drama Company and the runners up, a freelance engagement with BBC Audio Drama. 

www.bbc.co.uk/soundstart 

 

“NBF is a fantastic opportunity for actors to learn and experience one of the most enjoyable mediums in our profession: radio. I remember an actor saying: 'I’ve never had a bad day on a radio play' and this is true of my own experience in all the years I've been an actor.” 

Ray Fearon, actor (Judge, 2014)