Playwrights

Many playwrights started their careers while still in school by writing scripts for school plays. Participate in your school’s theater club, school plays, and community theater groups. Take as many English and writing classes as you can. They will help hone your writing skills. As most playwrights also are self-employed, business classes will help to learn business skills. Many local theater groups sponsor contests and competitions. Search these out as a way to get exposure for your play.

Write plays and enter your work in student competitions. One option for 11th graders is the Ten-Minute Play Contest, which is offered by The Lewis Center at Princeton University. Visit https://arts.princeton.edu/about/opportunities/high-school-contests/ten-minute-play-contest for information on how to enter.

Participate in summer exploration theater camps and programs that are offered by the National Student Leadership Conference, Northwestern University (via its National High School Institute), and other schools and organizations.