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HALE CENTRE THEATRE PRESENTS
Scene from a Script
Writing Contest

Want to see your screenwriting performed by professional Hale Centre Theatre actors?

 

Teens are invited to submit a well-crafted scene for a play. The goal is to develop an engaging, original scene that captivates the audience with strong character development, compelling dialogue, and a clear conflict or emotional arc. The scene should be a standalone piece, suitable for stage production. Teens are encouraged to work in groups of up to 4 students.

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Submissions Open:

October 15-December 15​

Winners Announced: Saturday, February 22, 2025 at StoryCon.

CONTEST GUIDELINES
Theme:
  • The scene must revolve around a central conflict or a pivotal moment between two or more characters.

  • Themes are open-ended but should be appropriate for a general audience (i.e., no graphic violence or explicit content).

 
Word Limit:
  • The submission must be no more than 1,200 words.

 
Format:
  • The scene should be written in standard playwriting format, which includes dialogue and stage directions.

  • There should be a title page and a 1-page introduction that lists the characters, any set pieces needed, and a paragraph summarizing the entire scene. (This page will not count towards your 1,200 words.)

  • The play should be structured like this:

    • Character Names in All Caps before dialogue.

    • Stage directions in italics or parentheses.

    • Dialogue should be clear and natural.

  • If you need further assistance with formatting, you can check out this free software: https://dramaqueen.info/dramaqueen-free-lifetime-en/ 

 
Eligibility:
  • Open to all aspiring playwrights and writers, ages 13 to 19.

  • Writers can collaborate in groups of up to 4 teens.

Submissions must be original, previously unpublished works. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

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JUDGING CRITERIA

Judging Criteria:

Each entry will be awarded 6-30 points total. 

Submissions will be evaluated on the following:

  1. Character Development: (1-5 points)
    • Are the characters well-defined? Do they feel realistic and unique?

    • Is there clear motivation for their actions and dialogue?

  2. Conflict & Tension: (1-5 points)
    • Is there a compelling conflict driving the scene?

    • Does the scene build tension effectively through dialogue and action?

  3. Dialogue: (1-5 points)
    • Is the dialogue natural and engaging?

    • Does it reveal something about the characters or advance the plot?

  4. Creativity & Originality: (1-5 points)
    • Is the scene fresh and inventive, offering a new perspective or approach?

  5. Pacing: (1-5 points)
    • Does the scene flow well, with a clear beginning, middle, and end?

    • Is the resolution satisfying (whether open-ended or conclusive)?

  6. Stage Direction, Formatting, & Grammar: (1-5 points)
    • Is it formatted according to directions and is the spelling/grammar correct?

    • Are there clear and appropriate stage directions included?

Performing Art Class

AWARDS

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  • Hale Centre Theatre will judge the entries and choose the top 3 to perform live onstage at StoryCon with professional Hale actors.

  • A first place winner will be announced after these performances.

  • Winners will receive a StoryCon trophy.

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Winners Announced: Saturday, February 22, 2025 at StoryCon.

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