As Beijing prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2008 taxi drivers and other people working in the service industries are being encouraged by the government to learn 100 phrases of English. We’re setting you the challenge of writing a play which will appeal to an international audience, using just 100 words. National Youth Theatre, BBC Blast and 100 Words Inc wants to create a global cultural exchange between young people in the UK and China where the same competition is happening on www.sohu.com in search of young chinese tallent. Tell a story about your world by writing a script of just a 100 words which expresses what it means to be a young person in the UK today. The competition is open to anyone aged 13 – 19. A strong, imaginative story which: Demonstrates creativity and originality Tackles the theme 'My World' and expresses what it means to be a young person in the UK Speaks to an international audience A carefully constructed script that: Creates a compelling play with just 100 words of dialogue Translates well on stage and that can be adapted into a short film Considers the audience Considers the performers and the director You can include stage directions in your script which will not count towards the 100 word total. Repeated words in the script dialogue do count towards the 100 word total. Keep your total entry down to 1000 words maximum. All entries must be typed and include a short paragraph with your entry, summarising your story and telling us what inspired you. Check out www.bbc.co.uk/blast. Sign up and submit your entry. Deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 14th March 2008. The UK entries will be short listed to 10 scripts by a panel of judges. These winning writers will be invited to attend a master class at National Youth Theatre. The winning entries will then be produced into 100 word plays to be staged as part of the China International Youth Arts Festival in Beijing between 7th and 12th July 2008. One overall winning entry will be then picked to be made into a short film to be shown as part of the National Youth Theatre’s Live Interactive ‘East to East’ event to be held on Wednesday April 30th 2008. This event will be a fun celebration of both cultures and their common Olympic Status and will highlight the brilliant young talent across the globe! Before entering, please read our Terms & Conditions.