It was announced yesterday that the Belment Theatre of New York has offered a prize of $500 for the prose dramatic composition of at least three acts adjudged by a committee of three to be the best suited for professional production. The competition is open only to past and present members of English 47 or 47a at the University or Radcliffe College. Among those no one who at the time of submitting manuscripts has already had a long play professionally produced may compete. Plays submitted must be the absolute property of the author and not subject to any copyright or other claim of a third person. Adaptations and collaborative plays will not be accepted.
The best play of each candidate is desired. Two manuscripts, however, may be submitted, if the author thinks best. Not more than two may be submitted except by special permission to be gained from the representative of the University on the Committee of Judges.
Should the number of manuscripts be not more than twenty-five the decision will be given in a month or six weeks; if a larger number is received, a proportionately longer time will be needed. Immediately after the decision, the Prize of $500 will be paid to the author of the successful play. This payment will not be in lieu of any royalties. As contract with the author guaranteeing a production of the play within six months of its acceptance, will be given the successful competitors at the time of the payment of the Prize.
The manuscripts must be typewritten and marked clearly "Belmont Theatre Prize Competition," with the name and address of the author, as well as the year in which he or she was a member of English 47 and 47a. All plays should be submitted to Professor G. P. Baker '87, Silver Lake, Carrol Country, L. H., by July 1, 1922, and sufficient postage for return should be enclosed.
The form will be the minimum dramatic contract adopted by the Authors League of America and the Producing Managers Association. Under it royalties will be five percent on the first $5000 gross weekly receipts, seven and one half percent on the next $2500, and ten percent on anything above $7500.
Anyone-intending to compete may obtain a copy of the prize contract or other needed information at the office of the 47 Workshop, Massachusetts Hall.
Professor Baker, or a representative chosen by him, Mr. W. P. Eaton '00, and Mr. R. G. Herndon or representative, will be the judges
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THE MEDIOCRE MAN.