Child Writing Project
Guidelines
The Child Writing Project (CWP) is open to any school age student in grades K through 6, in public, private and home schools. We encourage teachers to discuss with the students the elements of a story; beginning, middle and end; character development; and conflict/resolution. More advanced writing techniques should be evident in upper grades. Parents and teachers may help edit spelling and grammar, but we ask that the students be the ones to edit content. Please emphasize that our company is comprised of four actors. The actors can play multiple parts, but only 4 characters can be on stage at the same time.
Submissions may be a story, song, poem or play written by an individual or a group, either serious or comedic or true or fictional, but it must be original. Students should create their own title (not the theme) for each piece submitted. The length of the piece may be 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length, although entries kept under one to one and a half pages have a much better chance of selection (read it out loud and time your story). Students may submit more than one entry. Submissions must be legible, either neatly handwritten or typed.
Theme
Each year we choose a theme to stimulate the imagination and inspire the student writer to be creative. It is meant to inspire, not restrict content. As it is a broad theme, young authors can be sure that any topic will fit. Teachers are encouraged to submit any exciting piece of writing regardless of content. Please let us be the judge of how it might be staged or worked into the show.
The 2012 Child Writing Project is called "Family Tales". Some of the most exciting adventures happen close to home, so here's your chance to write a story about your one-of-a-kind family. The theme of CCT's 29th Annual Child Writing Project is Family Tales, and we want your original stories, songs or poems about brothers, sisters, moms, dads, grandparents, step-brothers, half-sisters, cousins, aunts, pets - you get the point! No two families are alike, but they're all special. So we're excited to hear about your unique experience. You may incorporate real-life events and made-up situations into your story, but be sure the writing is your own.
How to Submit
All entries will be read but will not be returned so please make a copy before you submit your entry. With each submission please include a Cover Page with the Story Title, Student's Name and Grade, Teacher's Name, School's Complete Name, and an Address and Phone Number for contact. Entries should be mailed to:
Columbus Children's Theatre
Child Writing Project
177 E. Naghten St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Deadline: December 31, 2012
Selection Process
In January the CCT Education Director and the Professional Touring Company will read each submission and choose between 15 and 20 pieces to develop into the next CWP Play. The selection is based on originality, honesty of expression, dramatic interest, stage-ability and compatibility with the other pieces under consideration.
After the winning pieces are chosen, the Director and the Touring Company will develop a script and stage each piece by adding props, costumes and scenery in order to bring the story to life on stage. We strive to keep the script as the author wrote it. The CWP Play will premiere in February or March before an invited audience including the student authors and their families, friends, and educators. All stories selected are printed in the teacher study guide distributed to every school that schedules a performance. The show begins touring in March 1 and closes December 31. Schools with winning entries receive a discount if they choose to book a performance of the Child Writing Project.
For questions regarding the Child Writing Project call the Education Director at (614) 224-6673.
Submissions must be postmarked by December 31, 2012.
 CWP cover sheet 2013.pdf | [ ] | 43 Kb |