Palmetto Dramatic Association
& South Carolina Thespians

Original One-Acts/Playwriting Thespys

Due Friday, December 4, 2026

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Entries in the Thespys Playwriting category will be submitted at the same time as the PDA Original One-Act Competition.

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PDA ORIGINAL PLAYWRITING AWARDS:

First, Second, Third are invited to perform at the festival using a modified READER'S THEATRE format.

Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth (or Honorable Mentions) are awarded at the discretion of the judges

 

Original One-Act Play Entries & ADJUDICATION INFORMATION

Adjudicated using the Thespy Awards Rubric.

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Original One-Act Plays should conform to the following criteria and will be judged with these guidelines:

FORMAT​

• A cover page should include:

  • Title of play

  • Author's name and email address

  • Author's school name

  • Author's troupe number

  • Thespian troupe director's name and email address

• The script must not exceed thirty (30) pages in total

• A synopsis of the play and character list that includes the name and brief description of each character that speaks and/or appears on stage, Characters that are spoken about but who do not appear on stage should not be included in the character list.

• The play should be typeset using 12-point font

• The play must be submitted in PDF format to preserve formatting and ensure visibility by all adjudicators

 

SKILLS​

• Adjudicated on a scale of 1 to 4

• Clear conflict and action that relates to an established plot and is believable for the world of the play. Transitions between events are clear

• Score of  =

  • All elements of the plot work together seamlessly to build the world of the play

  • The plot is presented through compelling believable action for the world of the play, supported by clear conflict and transitions between events.

  • Chosen plot structure is intentional and consistently drives the dramatic action pulling the story to its conclusion

 

CHARACTERIZATION

• Adjudicated on a scale of 1 to 4.

• Well-developed and varied characters with clear objectives and relationships. The characters are purposeful to the story, authentic to the world, and easy to imagine.

• Score of 4 =

  • Well-developed multidimensional characters motivated by a strong and urgent through line, conflict, and obstacles

  • Characters seem authentic and indispensable to the world of the play

  • The playwright makes it easy to imagine character inner life and empathize with their dilemmas

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DIALOGUE

• Adjudicated on a scale of 1 to 4.

• Cohesive, purposeful dialogue supports and amplifies the action and the characters, is authentic to the world of the play and reveals subtle character traits

• Score of 4 = 

  • Dialogue consistently reveals subtle character traits and deepens character personalities​

  • Dialogue is authentic and is cohesive throughout the play for each character

  • Dialogue supports and amplifies the action via word choice and subtext

 

STRUCTURE

• Adjudicated on a scale of 1 to 4.

• A cohesive world of the play is created connecting plot, characters, language, setting, and spectacle

• Score of 4 =

  • All elements of the play (e.g. action, transitions, setting, characters, conflict) work together seamlessly and concisely to tell the story

  • Chosen structure is intentional, cohesively used to carry and extend the dramatic action

 

ORIGINALITY

• Adjudicated on a scale of 1 to 4.

• The chosen theme and style creates a compleling original piece of theatre in a unique voice

• Score of 4 =

  • Playwright's vision is clear, intentional, and cohesive to carry and present an innovative original work

  • Playwright constructs meaning by combining ideas in unique ways with a clear personal aesthetic and compelling voice.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• Plays will be read and critiqued by a playwriting committee comprised of professional playwrights and/or playwriting instructors.

• On the form, please indicate if the play is to be considered for PDA, Thespian or both adjudications.

• Any number of original, one-act plays may be submitted by a school; but teachers are encouraged to exercise discretion in selecting plays to be submitted. For each play submitted there is a $15.00 entry fee.

• For PDA award recognition, plays may be written by no more than three (3) authors in collaboration. PLAYS WRITTEN BY A CLASS OR BY A GROUP (of more than 3) ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

• For PDA, up to the "top" six plays will be recognized, with the top three performing during the festival.

• The PDA President will notify schools in ample time. (No later than the re-opening of school in January.)

• For Thespy Award recognition, only ONE playwright will be recognized on any given script- the first one listed on the Title Page.

• Any Thespy entry that receives an average score in the Superior range will be recognized as Superior and passed on to Nationals

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