Student Essay Competition
Thespians passionate about making a difference will find their chance to shine in Democracyworks, EdTA’s annual essay competition designed to grow student advocacy for theatre education.
Democracyworks is sponsored by Concord Theatricals
Student Essay Competition
Thespians passionate about making a difference will find their chance to shine in Democracyworks, EdTA’s annual essay competition designed to grow student advocacy for theatre education.
Each year, students submit inspiring essays on a timely prompt surrounding the value of arts education. Three winners receive prizes and recognition:
- First place: $250 cash, publication on Dramatics.org, virtual registration in the National Arts Action Summit sponsored by Americans for the Arts
- Second place: $150 cash
- Third place: $100
For the top essayist, participation in the National Arts Action Summit is a chance to develop new advocacy skills. Attendees get legislative training on current arts issues circulating on Capitol Hill. The winner must be available to attend this event.
Click the button below for details on the 2022 competition. Essays may be submitted beginning January 21, 2022. The deadline for submissions is 12:00 pm (noon) Eastern Standard Time, February 18, 2022.
Recent Winners
2021
Savannah Brown
Troupe 6303
Timber Creek High School, Orlando, Fla.
Prompt: "How does theatre support your social and emotional well-being and foster a welcoming school environment?"
2020
Lena Dougherty
Troupe 8938
Wildwood Catholic High School, North Wildwood, N.J.
Prompt: "How does theatre help bring diverse communities together?"
The Power of Student Voice
See 2019 Democracyworks winner Brannon Evans of Troupe 5483 at Millard West High School in Omaha, Neb., read her winning essay on To Kill a Mockingbird. Evans also won a $10,000 scholarship from the Educational Theatre Foundation funded by the Broadway show’s production team, awarded at a special event at the Library of Congress in honor of Theatre in Our Schools month (pictured above).
