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, publication on Dramatics.org, virtual registration in the National Arts Action Summit sponsored by Americans for the Arts
- Second place: $150
- 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.
Watch the 2022 Winner, Spencer Wareing, read her award-winning 2022 essay.
For Teachers and Troupe Directors
Democracyworks makes an excellent curriculum item!
See the Click to Teach Lesson: Become a Theatre Advocate
Recent Winners
2022
Spencer Wareing
Troupe 3584
Saguaro High School, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Prompt: "How has theatre helped you build resiliency in your personal life and academic studies?"
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).
