Forget the white stuff – judges of an exciting playwright competition are expecting an avalanche of diverse new material to fall at their doorstep.

As Vibe hits its first birthday, Write Now at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre is celebrating its fourth year.

The annual writing festival, which exists to discover the best new playwriting talent in south east London, gives emerging authors the incredible opportunity to see their work developed and performed.

Kate Bannister, artistic director at the theatre, said: “For us as a theatre, it’s great to work with new writers at the beginning of their careers.

“Writers who enter full length plays must have some connection with south east London, whether they work, study, live in the area or come from here.

“It’s a celebration of local talent and it gives the festival an identity.”

Kate and six other judges, including theatre manager Karl Swinyard, promise to read every single entry.

Writers have until February 4 to send in previously unperformed full-length plays.

One winner will see their piece brought to life on stage for a two-week run in May, after developing the play with professional actors and Kate, who will direct the production. Another two plays will be given staged readings.

Kate added: “We’ve had about 45 entries already, but I expect there will be around 100 in the end.

“There’s always a last month avalanche – there will be a lot to plough through.

“We read every single one.

“It’s really hard to say what we’re looking for.

“It’s the ones that stay with you when you put them down, the ones you keep coming back to.

“I’m looking for something I’ve never heard before.”

Last year’s competition had three winners, including Melissa Bubnic with her play Emoticon.

“The quality was extremely high last year.” Kate continued.

“Each play was so different - my favourite part was seeing them all come to life.

“Emoticon was about young people, and written in a new way – it was brilliant.”

People are also invited to send in short, 10 minute new plays for a separate competition category.

There is no need to be connected to the area for this contest, and the deadline for entries is March 4.

Six shorts will be selected and performed in one evening during Write Now 4 at the Jack.

Kate said: “There will be an exciting, contemporary theme for the shorts.

“It means the evening all connects.

“People bring all different perspectives to the theme.

“Our last theme was the 2012 Games.

“Some were very funny, some serious, very political – everyone brought a different facet to it.”

The month-long festival, which will also feature writing workshops and discussions, has been building on its success each year.

Kate told Vibe: “I’m absolutely delighted.

“More people are submitting work, more people are coming to see shows and it has attracted the theatre industry throughout London.

“We would love to hear from you.

“This is for everybody and it’s worth having a go if you’ve never written before.

“It gives you a unique opportunity to have a director and cast work on your script which might otherwise be left in a drawer.

“You never know what could happen.”

The theme for short entries will appear on the theatre’s website soon.

For guidelines, visit brockleyjack.co.uk