MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A television comedy veteran who lives in Minnesota is giving aspiring writers a chance to break into the business.

Bo Kaprall is sponsoring the 2015 National Sitcom Writing Contest. The competition features two categories — scripts for an original pilot and scripts for existing shows.

There is a $250 cash prize for the best script in each category, plus a $500 award for best overall script.

Winning scripts will be shared with Hollywood executives for possible development.

Kaprall, who lives in Wayzata, has written for "Saturday Night Live," ''Laverne & Shirley" and "Welcome Back, Kotter." He also is creator and executive producer of "Outlaw Country," a new TV series that debuted on WGN America in February.

The deadline has been extended to July 31. Registrations can be made at www.sitcomcontest.com.