Application: Next Voices Youth Playwriting Contest
ABOUT THE CONTEST -
Hattiloo Theatre is celebrating 20 years of storytelling by inviting young writers to take the stage in our Next Voices Youth Playwriting Contest!

With the theme "Becoming," the contest encourages students ages 8–17 to share original stories, written as a play, about growing, changing, and discovering who they are. Selected playwrights will see their work brought to life on stage, receive a cash award, and celebrate their voices with family and community.

This special anniversary project honors the power of youth creativity and the next generation of storytellers shaping our future!

HOW TO ENTER -
Write and submit an original short play about growing up, finding yourself, changing, standing up for yourself, or figuring out who you’re becoming. Your play can be about family, friends, learning something new, standing up for yourself, or facing a challenge. It can be funny or serious, real, or imaginative. What matters most is telling a story from your heart about a character who is becoming something new.

WHO CAN ENTER -
Ages 8–17
Must live in Shelby County
You will be judged with writers your own age

AGE GROUPS -
Ages 8–10: Big ideas, imagination, and feelings
Ages 11–13: Friendship, identity, and point of view
Ages 14–15: Strong characters and meaningful conflicts
Ages 16–17: Bold ideas, clear structure, and deeper themes

PLAY RULES (Keep It Simple!) -
Your play must be 15 minutes or less
No more than 6 characters
No musicals (no singing, but sound effects and music are okay)
Must be your own original story
Only one play per writer

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE -
No profanity or curse words
No violence with weapons
No adult content

AWARDS FOR WINNERS -
Each selected playwright receives:
- a $250 cash award,
- a friends and family performance,
- 8 tickets during the run, and
- a digital recording of their play

** PLEASE NOTE: If your play is selected, as the playwright, you will not be part of the production process. That means winning writers will not be involved in casting, directing, attending rehearsals, giving notes to actors, or making production decisions. Hattiloo’s professional team will handle the full staging of the play.

IMPORTANT CONTEST DATES -
Deadline for Scripts: September 15, 2026
Selection of Plays: September 22, 2026
Performance Run: March 5 to 21, 2027 (Fridays-Sundays only)
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  • GETTING TO KNOW THE PLAYWRIGHT
  • If you don't have any talents or awards, that's okay!
    Please type something about yourself that makes you proud.

  • SUBMITTING YOUR ORIGINAL WORK
  • (Pictures with clear faces, plain backgrounds, and no additional people included.)

  • IMPORTANT WAIVERS

  • HONESTY POLICY (for the playwright only):
    I understand that this application is for submission only for the contest indicated. I certify that all responses given within this submission are honest and true for the playwright. I consent to Hattiloo Theatre's regulations concerning application deadlines and submission requirements.

    I certify that the information given is complete and accurate. I understand that submitting any plagiarized, AI-generated, or inappropriate work within this submission will result in automatic exclusion from the contest.

    If chosen as a winning playwright, I agree to abide by the policies of Hattiloo Theatre and by the stipulations of becoming a winner in this contest. I trust that my original work will be protected by Hattiloo Theatre staff members, contest judges, production teams, and performers. I agree to the release of my original work to Hattiloo Theatre for the purpose of rehearsals, performances, my digital recording, Hattiloo archives, and safeguarded promotion.

    Should any information change prior to the selection of my original work, I will promptly notify the Hattiloo Theatre.

  • MEDIA & MARKETING POLICY (for guardians only):
    Hattiloo Theatre is committed to maintaining a safe and enriching experience for every family in our youth programs. As part of our commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community, we share photos and videos on social media and promotional products to capture moments of joy, creativity, and growth within our community. It is theatre custom to share headshots in our playbills (performance programs), and we may showcase footage of this program to families who may benefit in the future from the Hattiloo experience.

    For any images and/or videos taken throughout the duration of this contest, I trust and give permission to Hattiloo Theatre on behalf of my playwright. I also agree on behalf of myself and the playwright to receive additional programming and promotional information to remain current on all things HattiYouth in the future!

    Please visit us at hattiloo.org, @experiencehattiloo on Instagram, or Hattiloo Theatre on Facebook to see examples of how we highlight our HattiYouth!

  • END OF APPLICATION

    Hattiloo Theatre thanks you for your bravery, creativity, and desire to share your story with us! We can't wait to read your original work of art, and we look forward to working with you in the near future. Hattiloo Theatre encourages you to reach for the stars as you continue your journey as a writer and creative. We need you, and our community needs you!

    Please click the box below, and press "Submit" underneath it.
    Your submission is now complete!