A literary composition developed for the stage.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Submit six (6) original, notarized copies of a one-act play.
  2. The play must be an original (written only by the contestant).
  3. The play  must  be  typed  and  double  spaced,  not  to  exceed  twenty  (20)  pages.  A  one-page synopsis must be included.
  4. The top  of  each  page  must  include  the  contestant’s  name,  page  number  and  unit  name  and

number.

  1. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.

NOTE:   The  deadline  for  submission  of  national  registration  documents  is  May 15, 2020..   No materials or copies will be accepted after that time or at the National Competition.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

  • Characterization (10)  –  Is  there  a  protagonist  of  some  type?  Is  there  an  antagonist?  Are  the

characters in the play developed? Are the roles defined?

  • Clarity (10) – Is the author’s theme and purpose clearly stated?
  • Content  (25)   –   Is   the   subject   matter   or   situation   of   the   play   relevant,   creative,   and/or

controversial?

  • Dialogue (10)  –  Is  the  word  usage  or  phrasing  consistent  with  the  character?Does  the  dialogue

advance the plotline or develop the character’s background?

  • Mechanics (10)  –  Is  the  manuscript  clearly  typed?  Are  there  errors  in  spelling  and/or  grammar? Are the stage directions clearly stated? Are the settings and characters clearly indicated?
  • Plot (25)   –   Has   the   storyline   been   clearly   defined?   Has   the   action   of   the   play   been

chronologically  developed?  Is  there  evidence  of:

Exposition

Complication

Climax

Conclusion

•    Style (10) – Has the playwright established a definitive method or style?