January 7th, 2009

Playwriting Contest & Workshops

Ohio Young Playwrights Contest

The Renaissance Performing Arts Assoc. is proud to announce its first annual Ohio Young Playwright's Contest for middle and high schools students. Scripts will be judged in two categories:

  • Grades 6 - 9
  • Grades 9 - 12

Semi-Finalists' scripts will be printed and bound in a commemorative book.
Finalists' scripts will receive a staged reading at the Renaissance on May 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM, as well as be included in the commemorative book.
Winning scripts will be produced in June 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM on the Renaissance stage and winning playwrights will receive a cash scholarship prize.

Judging:

  • The Renaissance staff will read all submissions and choose semi-finalists.
  • Celebrity judges will read semi-finalist scripts and choose the finalists.
  • The Renaissance staff will select the winners.

Submission Guidelines:
Submitted scripts can be any style (comedy, farce, satire, tragedy, political, etc.). Submissions will not be returned and must meet the following criteria:

  1. One piece per playwright
  2. Include title page with playwright's name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and e-mail address
  3. Include character page with descriptions and ages
  4. Standard playwright format
  5. Script length: 10 to 20 pages (in standard 12 pt font size with pages numbered)
  6. Cast size: no more than six actors
  7. No musicals
  8. No binding or staples

Submission Deadline: March 30, 2009, 5:00 PM

Mail Submission to:

Domenick Danza, Director of Education
Renaissance Performing Arts
138 Park Ave. West
Mansfield, OH 44902

Playwriting Workshops

Free Introductory Workshops for students

These workshops will take place at the Renaissance Theatre and are designed to get students started on their submissions by reviewing the guidelines and going over the formatting requirements for the Ohio Young Playwrights Contest.

  • Saturday, December 6, 2008, 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, January 10, 2009, 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, January 31, 2009, 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM

Teachers can call to schedule a free introductory workshop for their classroom.

The Young Playwrights Unit

The Young Playwrights Unit meets on Saturdays from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the Renaissance Theatre. It is open to middle and high school students with a serious interest in playwriting. Students must commit to the entire session at registration. Enrollment is limited.

Fall Session
September 27 - December 6, 2008 (no meeting November 29)
Culminating Showcase: December 13, 2008

Winter/Spring Session:
January 17 - March 21, 2009
Culminating Showcase: April 4, 2009

Professional Development Workshop Series for Teachers

Teachers can gain nine professional development credit hours developing their writing skills. Teachers will be equipped to prepare their students to submit script to the playwriting contest and achieve the Ohio standards in their classroom curriculum.

Saturdays, November 8, 15, 22, 2008, 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM
Fee: $60

 

CLASSROOM WORKSHOPS: THREE SERIES / EIGHT SERIES

This series of workshops will teacher students basic playwriting skill and work with them on their submitted scripts. The sessions will include classroom writing time, writing assignments and classroom critique sessions.

Maximum Class Size: 25
Session Length: 60 - 90 minutes
Fee: $300 / $800