Do you have a play in you that you're dying to see produced?

Well this is your chance!

StoryBook Theatre is inviting submissions for the Robert C. Hayes Playwriting Competition. This is a unique opportunity for Alberta writers interested in theatre for young audiences. The winner of the competition will receive a workshop of their script and the play will be produced on stage as part of StoryBook Theatre's Cookie Cabaret 2008/2009 season.

Submissions should run approximately 1 hour and be geared towards ages 3 - 6. It is recommended that the work be an original adaptation of a popular children's fairytale or fable, and that it include opportunities for audience participation.

Guidelines

Content:

1. The play should appeal to children aged 3 to 6 years.
2. It is recommended that the play be an original adaptation of a popular children's fairytale or fable.
3. The play cannot have been previously produced on any stage.
4. The total playing time should be one hour, but this can be broken up into several small stories if the writer so desires.
5. The play should include opportunities for audience interaction.
6. The play should be performable by no more than 10 actors playing single or multiple roles.
7. The script should not require an elaborate set.

Criteria:

1. Entrants must submit one copy of their script unbound and typewritten or word-processed on white paper, one side only of 8.5 x 11 " paper.

2. Submissions must include a cover page with the title of the play and playwright's name, address, and telephone number. Entries with the playwright's name appearing anywhere other than on title page will be disqualified.

3. The play title and page number must appear on each page.

4. The manuscript must be typed, double-spaced, with 1.5" margins, and must be properly edited. Poorly presented entries will be rejected.

5. For adjudicative purposes, manuscripts will be copied for panel use only.

6. Only manuscripts accompanied by a self-addressed envelope of sufficient size with correct postage will be returned.

7. The only entry fee is a valid membership in StoryBook Theatre. Memberships may be purchased for $20.00 at time of entry.

8. A completed entry form must accompany each submission.

9. Entries should be submitted to:Robert C. Hayes Playwriting Competitionc/o Steve Strachan StoryBook Theatre2633 Hochwald Ave SWCalgary, AB T3E 7K2

10. Submissions must be delivered Offices no later than December 19, 2008.

Aside from the above criteria, the winning script must also meet the high standard of excellence that StoryBook Theatre's audiences have become accustomed to. Jurors will be instructed to not choose a winning script if such standards are not met.

For more information contact:Steve Strachan at (403) 216-0812 ext. 106 Email: sstrachan@storybooktheatre.org