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Playwriting

Playwriting a national qualifying playwriting program and
qualifying event (Thespy) for script development workshop.​
Playwriting
In a Playwriting adjudication, the Thespian must write and submit an original short play for the theatre. The play must be an original work written solely by the playwright and should not include copyrighted or any other material used from another writer or source. Plays that include music and lyrics are not allowed. Only one (1) play may be submitted per Thespian.

Required Materials
  • A short playscript on any subject with a running/reading time of thirty (30) minutes or less. The script must not exceed thirty (30) pages in total.
    • ​​The play should be typeset using 12-point font
    • ​Authors are encouraged to write authentic stories as examined through their own unique lens and explore themes to which they deeply relate through various aspects of their characters. Authors should tell the story they want to tell in their own individual manner. 
An easy to use in the classroom resource for teachers and students. Meant to be printed on one piece of paper and includes the
​Playwriting ​competition rubric.​
Link to the official Nationals website information and rubric. These are the same as ours but this is the rubric you will see used during festival adjudication.
Required Elements & Format
The playscript must include the following elements and formatting:
  • The cover page should include the following:
    • Title of the play
    • Participant’s name and email address
    • Participant’s school name
    • Participant’s troupe number
    • Thespian troupe director’s name and email address
  • A separate page should feature a synopsis of the play and character list that includes the name and brief description of each character that speaks and/or appears on stage. Characters that are spoken about but who do not speak or appear on stage should not be included in the character list.
  • The play must be submitted in a PDF format to be viewable by all adjudicators.
Submitting the Play
Directors must submit the work in advance of in-person adjudications in Submittable so the adjudicators can thoroughly evaluate the material and provide feedback.

Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators are:
  • An understanding of how the elements of the play create an intentional structure
  • Ability to create well developed characters
  • Ability to create authentic dialogue that supports and amplifies the action
  • Ability to communicate a clear, intentional vision and meaning through an original voice
Click the button above to read each play. These selections are for viewing only and cannot be produced without permission from the playwrights.
Click the button above to read each play. These selections are for viewing only and cannot be produced without permission from the playwrights.