never too soon to think about next year!

While we are disappointed by having to cancel the actual event, we are very proud of ALL the young authors who entered the competition this year -- we will be mailing prizes and certificates to our finalists, but the greatest benefit occurred during the writing of their plays, when their hearts and minds were engaged with plot, character, verbal expression, and creativity. If we can reschedule the event, we will, but we take enormous satisfaction in believing that the Competition provided an outlet and a spark for the fine work we saw from our participants.

This program has been proudly supported by grantS from Investors Foundation and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2020 Stages Festival.. 

This event is part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2020 Stages Festival, made possible by support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of  the National Endowment for the Arts; Bank of America; The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; OceanFirst Foundation; the George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust; New Jersey Historical Commission; and Fund for the New Jersey Blind. Www.njtheatrealliance.org/stages.
Joseph Curka Award
for Young Playwrights

Winners:
FIRST PRIZE:
Sam Zaslow-Braverman – Golda Och Academy 
SECOND PRIZE: A TIE:
Mika Cullen - Leonia High School
Lily Piede - Montclair Kimberley Academy
THIRD PRIZE:
Lindsey Polevoy – Bergen County Academies

Honorable Mentions:
Jacob Makofske, Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale
Lucille O'Donnel, Diana Benenaula, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy, Elizabeth
Isabella Castillo, Mariana Meriles, Natalie Painter, Jordan Orlando, Aidan Winn, Bergen County Academies, Hackensack

Submission ​Guidelines for 2021:

  • Entrants must attend a NJ high school  
  • Scripts must be between 10 and 20 pages
  • Scripts must be in play format
  • Original work only, no adaptations
  • One entry per author

TO ENTER:

  • Fill out entry form 
  • Upload script, author bio and photo
  • Pay $10 entry fee by card or check

2021 Key dates:

  • Scripts due Jan 22, 2021
  • Finalists notified Feb 15
  • Awards event March TBA

About the Event:

The goal of the competition is to encourage the next generation of theater practitioners and audience by honoring their work and bringing it to life. The Theater Project is committed to the concept that participation in the arts builds fundamental skills in reading, writing and critical thinking, crucial at all ages. The competition was originally inspired by a generous donation from Bill Mesce, Jr. who will address the audience. Linden resident Mesce is an award-winning playwright/screenwriter whose novels have been published by Bantam Books.

On the day pf the awards ceremony, The Theater Project offers free tutorials to any interested entrant: a half hour script consultation with one of the adult playwrights and directors from The Theater Project. 

Young writers will also have the chance to meet with other contestants and the actors who are performing that day.

2019 winners

Joseph Curka Award
for Young Playwrights 

First Prize:
THE GREED GAME
by Kianni Keys
Newark Academy, Livingston, NJ
 
Second Prize:
GOD IS A WRITER
by Jaid Green
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
 
Third Prize:
FIND ROMANCE IN 4 MINUTES
by Fiona Flynn
River Dell Regional High School, Oradell, NJ
 
HONORABLE MENTIONS:

 Jacqueline Acunto
Peren Yesilyurt
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
 
Stephen Lehren
Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ
 
Julianna Feit
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Summit, NJ
 
Jonathan Price
Plainfield High School, Plainfield, NJ
 
Spencer Scalamoni
Roxbury High School, Roxbury, NJ
 
Angel Cruz Rodrigues
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy, Elizabeth, NJ