Students wishing to apply for the Creative Artist Award in Theatre can submit an original play in a one-act format; any genre, theme or content is acceptable. The Winning play will be provided script development in the following spring semester and will be produced the following fall semester within University Theatre’s Studio Series.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions will be assessed by University Theatre staff utilizing the following criteria:
• Universal Content Standards: Demonstrates respect for human differences. Depictions of hate-oriented behaviors (racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, etc.) serve as deliberate subjects of artistic exploration rather than unexamined given circumstances.
• Cast Size: The play can be performed with 2 to 12 actors.
• Estimated Run Time: Performance run time falls between 30 and 60 minutes.
• Originality and Exclusivity: The play must be unproduced by any other company and have no prior staged readings or productions with University Theatre and/or outside companies.
• Respect for Human Differences: Scripts and proposed concepts must demonstrate respect for human dignity and human differences across all aspects of casting, production, and storytelling. 
• Critical Exploration of Complex Themes: While University Theatre encourages the engagement of challenging and provocative material, depictions of racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, or other hate-oriented behaviors must serve as deliberate subjects of artistic inquiry, dramaturgical research, and critical exploration—never as unexamined given circumstances or passive background elements.

Submission Requirements

• Applicants must upload a Microsoft Word file formatted in 12pt double-spaced font (Arial) containing:
• Cover Page: Script title and playwright name.
• Title Page: Script title only—do not include playwright name.
• Evaluator Synopsis: A 50–75 word summary of the show providing all information regarding the story. This synopsis should inform the evaluators about all aspects of the show, including items that are surprises or twists. 
• Marketing Synopsis: a 50-75 word summary of the show providing information to the public. This synopsis should not provide the conclusion, surprises, or twists. How would you describe this show to a friend who does not want any spoilers? 
• Character Breakdown: List of all characters and brief descriptions, and any essential casting/staging requirements (e.g., specific demographic requirements for roles).
• Themes and considerations regarding the show, (e.g., violence and strong language).

Acceptance of the award gives University Theatre first reading/production rights, and the winner must be able to work with University Theatre staff in developing the work the following spring semester.

If you have any questions, please contact email [email protected]

Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Students wishing to apply in the field of music must submit an original work for one of the following media (note: we have paired down submission options due to capacity for production):

• Instrumental or vocal solo (with or without piano accompaniment)
• Electronic or computer music

Any other combinations of instruments than those listed above must be cleared in advance by contacting the Associate Head of the Department of Music, Dr. Tom Koch: [email protected]

Additional Criteria

• For all media except electronic or computer music, students must submit an original written score.  No recordings are required, though MIDI realizations are strongly encouraged. 

• For electronic or computer music, where the work intrinsically exists as a recording rather than in the form of a notated score, students must submit in addition to the recording a statement describing the structure of the work.

• Upon notification of winning, the award recipient must produce individual parts of the winning work by the advance date given, or prize will be forfeited.

Deadline: March 15, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Students wishing to apply for the Creative Artist Award in the field of dance must submit the following two items:

• A private YouTube link of an original work in progress or completed work that originated in a dance course, company, or independently. The piece should show original movement vocabulary, specific thematic content, and have the potential to be well developed.
• A two-page narrative/project proposal outlining the concept and plans for development and producing of the proposed choreographic work.

The choreographer chosen will have the opportunity to produce their piece in one of a variety of ways including, but not limited to, for a Dance Program concert or informal showing, as a screendance, or as a site specific piece.

Deadline: March 15, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST