Black and Asian comedy writers being offered six-month BBC traineeship

Comedy writers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are being encouraged to apply for a new, six-month traineeship at the BBC.

The Felix Dexter Bursary honours the late comedy actor and writer who was named Time Out comedian of the year and featured in BBC comedies including The Fast Show, Absolutely Fabulous and Citizen Khan.  The aim of the initiative is to help address the under-representation of minorities in comedy.

The broadcasting service is looking for talented people who are writing comedy professionally or as a pastime and would benefit from dedicated training and unrivalled insight into the world of BBC Comedy.

Two successful applicants will gain unique experience of programme-making in the UK’s biggest comedy department, where they can develop their skills and contacts and hone their craft across radio and television comedy, with access to top-tier productions and expertise.

Applications are open now until 5pm on Monday June 12. For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom