DemocracyWorks is sponsored by Concord Theatricals.
DemocracyWorks
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 was created to offer youth a voice to advocate for theatre education. Each year, students submit inspiring essays on a timely prompt surrounding the value of arts education. Three finalists receive prizes and recognition:
- Winner: $250, publication on Dramatics.org
- First Runner-Up: $150, publication on Dramatics.org
- Second Runner-Up: $100, publication on Dramatics.org
The DemocracyWorks essay contest is an opportunity for you to tell your theatre story and to make the case for the arts as a key component of our democratic system of government.
For Teachers and Troupe Directors
Democracyworks makes an excellent curriculum item!
See the Click to Teach Lesson: Become a Theatre Advocate
Recent Winners
2023
Lea Milanini
Troupe 2296
Wiley E. Groves High School
Beverly Hills, MI
Prompt:
“How have your theatre education experiences helped prepare you to actively participate in our democracy?”
Watch Lea read the essay below:
2022
Spencer Waring
Troupe 3584
Saguaro High School
Scottsdale, AZ
Prompt:
“How has theatre helped you build resiliency in your personal life and academic studies?”
Watch Spencer read the essay below:
2021
Savannah Brown
Troupe 6303
Timber Creek High School,
Orlando, FL
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, NJ
Prompt:
“How does theatre help bring diverse communitites 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).
