PLAYWRIGHTS GUILD OF CANADA’S POST-SECONDARY PLAYWRITING COMPETITION
This is a national contest, open to all students registered in post-secondary studies at a Canadian Institution.
PRIZES
1st Prize: $1000
2nd Prize: $750
The playwright will retain all rights, including copyright, publication and performance rights.
ELIGIBILITY
THE PLAYWRIGHT
• must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status, as defined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• must be a full-time student* at the time of submitting the play
• may only submit one play to the contest.
* Verification of student status of the playwright must be provided with an accompanying
letter signed by the department chair or head. If the play is written by more than one
playwright, all co-writers must be eligible as per eligibility criteria. The playwright must be
registered at a Designated Educational Institution as per the list produced by the Canada
Student Loans Program, Human Resources and Skill Development Canada.
THE PLAY
• must be primarily in English
• must be between 70 and 120 minutes in length
• must be an original work
• may be an adaptation* but not a translation
• Formatting should be clear
• has not previously won an award upon submission
*To be eligible, adaptations must involve substantial changes in form and/or expression.
If the adapted work is not in public domain, you must include written permission from the
original creator.
SUBMISSION RULES
Submit:
- 3 copies* of your play and one electronic copy to robin@playwrightsguild.ca
- Entry form
- A letter signed by the department chair or head verifying the student status of the
- playwright
*All submitted scripts must be typed following the standard play manuscript format (e.g.
Samuel French style sheet). All scripts entered must have page numbers at the bottom
of every page. The playwright’s name should not appear on any page of the play.
Send Entries to:
Playwrights Guild of Canada
215 Spadina Ave, suite 210
Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
Things to think about in terms of assessment criteria:
1. Shows ability for character development. Characters are interesting, unique, have clear objectives.
2. Shows an understanding of story and plot development. Unique story/idea/concept.
3. Clear understanding of dramatic form with present tense action. Real stakes/urgency and risk. Answers the question ‘why now?’
4. Shows potential for writing dialogue. Language interesting, inventive; varies with characters; not forced or uniform.
5. Doesn’t fall into the trap of narrative exposition but focuses on forward movement and dramatic action.
6. A clear understanding of theatricality. This story must be told in the theatre!
7. Ability to create a clear setting and environment. Was it specific, theatrical, and clear?
8. Demonstrates a unique voice. Playwright has something to say and is able to say it through the theatrical form.
Deadline for submissions: Postmarked April 29th, 2011 Scripts received after this deadline will not be accepted. The winners will be announced in fall 2011. Please note that there will be no entry fee this year.
More information here.
