Playwriting
 |
What to Prepare
For a Playwriting entry, the Thespian must write and submit an original short play. The plays must be the original work of a single Thespian writer. Collaborative works or adaptations are not permitted, nor are plays that include music, lyrics, or dialogue written by anyone other than the submitting writer. Only one (1) play may be submitted per student. The Thespian must prepare the following:
- A short play (typeset using 12-point font) on any subject with a running/reading time of 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 play should follow this format.
- The cover page should include the title of the play, the student’s name and email address, school name, troupe number, and the troupe director’s name and email address.
- On a separate page, a synopsis of the play and character list (including the name and a brief description of each character that speaks or appears onstage) should be featured. Characters that are spoken about but who do not appear onstage should not be included in the character list.
- For Playwriting adjudication, the Thespian does not need to make a presentation – the work should stand alone. Adjudicators will supply feedback on the online adjudication form.
Skills Measured: Playwriting
- 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.
Deadline
Like other Thespy categories, writers must qualify at a chapter event or at the Alternate Thespy Qualifier in order to be eligible for the final round of adjudication at the International Thespian Festival. Qualified students in this category will be adjudicated earlier than other Thespy categories in order to allow adjudicators adequate time to read the plays. Chapters must report qualifying students to EdTA by April 1.
Qualifying students must be registered to attend ITF by May 1, 2024 and submit their entry materials online by May 8, 2024.
Rights
All work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created. Writers own their plays and have exclusive control of the rights to produce, publish, and adapt them. By submitting work for Thespy adjudication, you agree to allow the International Thespian Society and Educational Theatre Association (at their discretion) to mount a staged reading of your play or portions of your play. The organization may also (at its discretion) publish your script (or portions of it) on its website(s). All other rights remain the exclusive property of the writer.
Playwriting Rubric
PLOT
Clear conflict and action that relates to an established plot and is believable for the world of the play. Transitions between events are clear.
Above Standard
All elements of the plot work together seamlessly to build the world of the play.
The plot is presented through compelling believable action for the world of the play, supported by clear conflict and transitions between events.
Chosen plot structure is intentional and consistently drives the dramatic action pulling the story to its conclusion.
At standard
Elements of plot are mostly cohesive, working together to build the world of the play.
The plot is presented through believable action for the world of the play, supported by clear conflict and transitions between events.
Chosen plot structure is intentional and maintained throughout the play.
Near Standard
Elements of the plot occasionally work together to build the world of the play.
The plot is presented through mostly believable action for the world of the play, conflict and transitions are not always clear.
Chosen plot structure is inconsistently maintained throughout the play.
Aspiring to Standard
Elements of the plot lack cohesion and/or fail to work together to build the world of the play.
The plot is muddied by inconsistent action for the world of the play; conflict and transitions are unclear or detract from the whole.
Chosen plot structure is unclear and/or inconsistent.
CHARACTERIZATION
Well-developed and varied characters with clear objectives and relationships. The characters are purposeful to the story, authentic to the world, and easy to imagine.
Above Standard
Well-developed multi-dimensional characters motivated by a strong and urgent through line, conflict, and obstacles.
Characters seem authentic and indispensable to the world of the play.
The playwright makes it easy to imagine character inner life and empathize with their dilemmas
At standard
Well-developed characters with actions motivated by a clear through line, conflict, and obstacles.
Characters are believable.
It is possible to empathize with the character dilemmas.
Near Standard
Partially developed characters with somewhat motivated actions connected to the conflict.
Characters are mostly believable.
There are moments when it is possible to empathize with the character dilemmas.
Aspiring to Standard
Underdeveloped characters with occasionally motivated actions connected to the conflict.
Characters seem contrived or unrealistic.
There are few moments when it is possible to empathize with the character dilemmas.
DIALOGUE
Cohesive, purposeful dialogue supports and amplifies the action and the characters, is authentic to the world of the play, and reveals subtle character traits.
Above Standard
Dialogue consistently reveals subtle character traits and deepens character personalities.
Dialogue is authentic and is cohesive throughout the play for each character.
Dialogue supports and amplifies the action via word choice and subtext.
At standard
Dialogue helps establish character traits and suggests character personalities.
Dialogue is believable and consistent throughout the play.
Dialogue supports the action and implies subtext.
Near Standard
Dialogue suggests character traits.
Dialogue is mostly believable and somewhat consistent throughout the play.
Dialogue aligns with the action.
Aspiring to Standard
Dialogue occasionally suggests character traits.
Dialogue is occasionally believable, however there is little or no consistency.
Dialogue does little to support the action.
STRUCTURE
A cohesive world of the play is created connecting plot, characters, language, setting, and spectacle.
Above Standard
All elements of the play (e.g., action, transitions, setting, characters, conflict) work together seamlessly and concisely to tell the story.
Chosen structure is intentional, cohesively used to carry and extend the dramatic action.
At standard
Most elements of the play (e.g., action, transitions, setting, characters, conflict) work together to tell the story.
Chosen structure is intentional and maintained throughout the play.
.
Near Standard
Some elements of the play (e.g., action, transitions, setting, characters, conflict) work together to tell the story.
Chosen structure is intentional and maintained through most of the play
Aspiring to Standard
There is little cohesion; elements of the play (e.g., action, transitions, setting, characters, conflict) fail to work together or may even detract from each other.
Chosen structure is unclear.
ORIGINALITY
The chosen theme and style creates a compelling original piece of theatre in a unique voice.
Above Standard
Playwright’s vision is clear, intentional, and cohesive to carry and present an innovative original work.
Playwright constructs meaning by combining ideas in unique ways with a clear personal aesthetic and compelling voice.
At standard
Playwright’s vision is clear, intentional, and maintained to carry and present an original work.
Playwright constructs meaning by combining original ideas in with a personal voice.
Near Standard
Playwright’s vision is somewhat clear and intentional, and mostly sustained to carry and present an original work.
Playwright constructs meaning by combining some original ideas with the familiar for an emerging voice.
Aspiring to Standard
Playwright’s vision is unclear and there is little cohesion to carry and present an original work.
Playwright constructs little meaning and/or ideas lack originality and personal voice.
Thank You to Our Playwriting Sponsor
Playwriting Category Sponsor