Columbus Children’s Theatre announces the 2009 Child Writing Project "HYSTERICAL HISTORY" 

Purpose and Theme

 Columbus Children’s Theatre is partnering with the Ohio Historical Society to bring you the 2009 Child Writing Project theme: "Hysterical History!” This year we will be looking for stories that follow a basic history theme for example, if you could go back in time what might you change, who would you want to meet, and why. You can incorporate real life events and real historical figures in your story, but be sure to make it your own. Whether your story is based on fact or fiction, it is up to you to tell us about the people, times, and places in our past that peak your interest!
Our theme is chosen to stimulate the imagination and inspire the student writer to be creative. 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.
Submissions must be postmarked by December 15, 2008.
The show begins touring in March 2009. Schools with winning entries receive a discount if they choose to book a performance of the Child Writing Project. Interested schools may also request a writing workshop to help get students started. Workshops run $225, but when booked in conjunction with the Child Writing Project, the workshops are only $200. Please call our offices at (614) 224-6672 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
    The Ohio Historical Society’s exhibitions and collections can also be used to inspire the beginnings of a story. For information about school field trips, lesson plans, and information on their exhibitions visit www.ohiohistoryteachers.org, or contact Marilyn Davis at 1-800-850-3245 or e-mail mdavis@ohiohistory.org.

Process

    Once we receive the submissions, the director of the piece, the CCT Education Director, and the Professional Touring Company members will read each piece and then decide which ones to use in the production. We will choose between 15 and 20 pieces, depending on the length of the pieces chosen. We base the selection on originality, honesty of expression, dramatic interest, stage-ability, and compatibility with other pieces under consideration. Entries may be serious or comical, true or fiction, BUT THEY MUST BE ORIGINAL. Students may base their piece on something they have read, but the content must be original. (A Note to Teachers- all entries will be read, but will not be returned, so please make a copy before you send them in.)
    After we determine the pieces that will be used, the director and the touring company develop a script, 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 has written it. "HYSTERICAL HISTORY!" will have it’s premiere in March of 2009 before an invited audience including the student authors, their families, friends, educators and other special dignitaries.

Guidelines

    The project 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. Our 2008 Child Writing Project production entitled "PLANT A STORY" is available for booking now through January 2009. Schools with winning scripts for “HYSTERICAL HISTORY!" are eligible for a discount rate if you decide to book a performance. The show tours to schools in March 2008 through January 2009. All stories selected are printed in the teacher study guide distributed to every school that schedules a performance. Please contact the CCT Office at (614) 224-6672 for further details.

1. Open to students in grades K to 6
2. ALL STORIES MUST BE ORIGINAL
3. Students should create their own title for each piece submitted (please do not use “Plant a Story” as a title.)
4. 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).
5. Pieces may be written by individuals or groups. Students may submit more than one entry.
6. The theme is meant to inspire, not restrict content. We want stories, songs, poems or plays, not school reports.
7. Parents and teachers may help edit spelling and grammar, but we ask that the students be the ones to edit content.
8. Stories may be serious or comedic, true or fictional. It is up to you!
9. 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.
10. Submissions must be legible, either neatly handwritten or typed.
11. Each submission should have a cover sheet attached with the following information:
             a. Story Title
             b. Student's name and grade
             c. Teacher's name
             d. School's complete name, address and phone number
 
Submission Details and Deadline

Submit entries to:

Columbus Children’s Theatre

2007 Child Writing Project

177 E. Naghten St.
Columbus, Oh  43215

(614)224-6673

 
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 15, 2008.
If you have any questions, please call CCT at (614) 224-6673.
 
project sponsorship provided by: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
 

For over 40 years, CCT has had as its mission to nurture future artists and audiences in the theatre arts.

We offer year-round performances and classes.