Technical theatre journalism award launched in honour of Ken Bennett-Hunter

A new award for backstage journalism, supported by The Stage, has been launched in memory of former UK Theatre president Ken Bennett-Hunter.

The AK Bennett-Hunter Award for Backstage Journalism aims to address the need for more journalists specialising in backstage and technical theatre.

The Stage has partnered with the Association of British Theatre Technicians, Stage Management Association, Skillscene, the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre to set up the award.

The winner will receive £2,000 of financial support, a year of mentoring from journalists and backstage practitioners, networking opportunities and publication in The Stage and the magazines and websites of the other partner organisations.

Bennett-Hunter was president of the Theatrical Management Association, now UK Theatre, as well as editor of The Stage’s backstage section.

The AK Bennett-Hunter Award for Backstage Journalism is open to all to apply, with applications open until November 30. Applicants are asked to submit a piece of writing, a covering letter and a CV.

The award may be presented to an established writer looking to develop their technical theatre knowledge, or someone working in the backstage world to develop their writing ability. Details of how to apply can be found here.