Competition Category Overview
The Original One-Act Script category celebrates young playwrights and their unique voices. It’s an opportunity to craft an original story, share your vision with professional playwrights, and receive feedback that can strengthen both your script and your confidence as a writer.
Eligibility: Scripts must be entirely student-written. Adaptations are allowed only if they are a substantial reimagining with predominantly new dialogue. Open to individual or collaborative writing.
Format & Length: To ensure a professional standard, all scripts must follow these guidelines (template provided):
Submit as a PDF in Times New Roman, 12 pt, with 1-inch margins.
Title page and character list page are unnumbered; page numbers start on the first page of dialogue.
Act/Scene headings: centered.
Character names: centered and capitalized.
Stage directions: indented one tab and italicized.
Total length: no more than 35 pages, beginning with the first page of dialogue.
Scripts that do not meet these requirements — including using an incorrect font/size or exceeding 35 pages — will receive an automatic penalty.
Submission: Upload your completed script through the Program Directors’ Portal by January 16, 2026.
