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HONORING YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS
 2021 Submission Deadline: January 22, 2021.
 
Student Playwrights are honored each year with cash awards, certificates, and presentations of the winning entries at THE THEATER PROJECT’S  Young Playwrights Competition Performance and Awards Ceremony in March.

Made possible in part by by a grant from Investors Bank Foundation

This event is part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2021 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

Encore Broadcast of 2020 Winning Plays

Young Playwrights -- It's never too soon to start writing -- details below.

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
ENTRY FORM

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.

O
n 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.


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Made possible in part by a grant from Investors Bank Foundation.
​
This event is part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2021 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.


2020 
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

 



 
 


The Theater Project   
PO Box 101  |  Union, NJ 07083
info@thetheaterproject.org
908-809-8865  
     
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Audio described performances are available. Call Box Office 908-809-8865.
The Theater Project is committed to an inclusive hiring and volunteer recruitment policy and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or the presence of a disability.


​© The Theater Project 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Shows & Events Listings
    • APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS
    • BLACK LIVES BLUE LIVES
    • encore ypc
    • For Playwrights >
      • Playwrights Workshop
      • THINK FAST Short Play Competition
    • Young Playwrights Competition
    • New Play Readings
    • Dining in Union
    • Group Sales
  • FOR KIDS
    • ACTORS READING WITH KIDS
    • Theater Project Jr
  • ABOUT US
  • Stay Connected
    • GET INVOLVED
  • SUPPORT US