What Does a Playwriting Thespy Entry Involve?
For a Playwriting entry, the Thespian must write and submit an original short play for the theatre.
The play must be an original work written solely by the entrant and should not include copyrighted or any other material by another writer or source. Plays that include music and lyrics (whether original or sourced) are not permitted.
Only one (1) play may be submitted per Thespian.
Showcasing Your Work for the Adjudicators
The Thespian must submit the work in advance of in-person adjudications so the adjudicators can thoroughly evaluate the material and provide feedback.
Inquire with your chapter Thespys coordinator for submission deadlines for your Qualifying Event. Those students advancing to finals at the International Thespian Festival should note the submission deadline posted at itf.schooltheatre.org after ITF registration opens.
No additional presentation or interview is required; the work should speak for itself.
Required Materials
(Expand for details.)
1. A short playscript on any subject with a running/reading time of thirty (30) minutes or less.
- 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.
- The script must not exceed thirty (30) pages in total.
The play must include the following elements and formatting:
- A cover page should include:
- Title of the play.
- Author’s name and email address.
- Author’s school name.
- Author’s troupe number.
- Thespian troupe director’s name and email address.
- 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 appear on stage should not be included in the character list.
- The play should be typeset using 12-point font.
- The play must be submitted in PDF format to preserve formatting and ensure visibility by all adjudicators.
Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- Ability to demonstrate 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/point of view.
