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.
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.
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.
Open
to students in grades K to 6
ALL
STORIES MUST BE ORIGINAL
Students should create their own title for each piece submitted (please do
not use “Hysterical History!” as a title.)
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).
Pieces may be written by individuals or groups. Students may submit more
than one entry.
The
theme is meant to inspire, not restrict content. We want stories, poems or
plays, not school reports.
Parents and teachers may help edit spelling and grammar, but we ask that the
students be the ones to edit content.
Stories may be serious or comedic, true or fictional. It is up to you!
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 must be legible, either neatly handwritten or typed.
Each
submission should have a cover sheet attached (printable
CCT Cover Page) with the following information:
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