WRITE A PLAY
Florida Studio Theatre is proud to present the 33rd year of its award-winning WRITE A PLAY program.
WRITE A PLAY is a year-round arts integration program providing students with the example, the inspiration, and the skills to write their own original plays. From field trips to the theatre to see professional productions, to an interactive performance created at your school, to playwriting lessons that will develop the inner artist in your students, this award-winning program is designed to inspire the next generation of playwrights. Now in its 33rd year, WRITE A PLAY reaches over 47,000 students annually across the state of Florida; nationally as far as Camden, NJ and Woodstock, IL; and internationally as far as Scotland and Israel.
For more information about this year's plays and offerings, click the Elementary or Secondary tabs above. To book your classroom's experience, contact Shelby Lynhall at 941.366.9797 or [email protected].
Annual Playwriting Competition
All students are encouraged to submit their work to FST’s Young Playwrights Festival, which celebrates those students and their teachers whose plays reveal a budding creative talent that deserves congratulations!
All winning plays must have the four key ingredients: Characters, Setting, Conflict, and Dialogue. In addition to the core ingredients, winning plays also have creative and interesting stories. They can be funny or serious, or a combination of the two. All winning plays have the truth and imagination that only a young playwright can bring to a play.
Click here to download the WRITE A PLAY submission packet.
Click here to watch the PBS Documentary about WRITE A PLAY.
WRITE A PLAY: ELEMENTARY (Kindergarten - Fifth Grade) is a three-part program, designed to have multiple interactions with each student and educator throughout the school year.
For more information about this year's offerings, see below. For questions or to book your classroom's experience, contact Shelby Lynhall at 941.366.9797 or [email protected].
2022-2023 Plays
Play #1: The Play That Sets the Example
In this introduction, students will see a professional theatrical production that serves as an example of a play.
Charlotte's Web
Adapted by Joseph Robinette. Based on the book by E.B. White
OR
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Based on the story by C.S. Lewis and Adapted by le Clanche du Rand
Play #2: The Write Way
This interactive performance and playwriting lesson at your school is designed to get your students writing!
The Write Way
Take the next step in the series with a play that will inspire your students to write plays of their very own! In this interactive experience, your students will learn the ingredients of a play and see a brand-new one created (using their OWN ideas) right before their eyes. More than just a performance, The Write Way includes up to eight in-class workshops to get your students writing. All students are encouraged to submit their plays to FST’s 2023 Young Playwrights Festival to be considered for a professional production in the spring. Available to tour to your school beginning October 18.
Play #3: The Play That Celebrates Young Playwrights
The Last Acorn & Other Winning Plays
By Young Playwrights
Register for 2022-2023!
Contact Shelby Lynhall at 941.366.9797 or [email protected] for more information or to book your classroom’s experience today!
*Additional discounts available for Title I schools
WRITE A PLAY: Secondary (Grades 6-12) offers in-classroom workshops led by our professional teaching artists. These workshops will reinforce your teaching methods and use arts integration tools to motivate your students to unleash their creativity through writing.
Participating students have the opportunity to submit their plays to FST’s annual Young Playwrights Festival. Each student will be recognized for their participation and achievement. Winning writers will be honored by FST on the day of the festival in Sarasota, FL.
2022-2023 In-Classroom Workshops
Select One Area of Focus:
Playwriting
Using proven theatrical methodology, FST teaching artists will guide students to write plays of their own focusing on the 4 elements of a play: Characters, Setting, Problem, and Dialogue. Build stronger writers and enhance creativity through hands-on learning.
Improv
Using engaging games and activities, Improv will help your students grow in public speaking, creative collaboration & teamwork, leadership, listening, and receiving and giving constructive feedback. In a positive learning environment, students will improve communication and problem-solving skills that prepare them for real-life situations.
Build Your Own Workshop
Do you have a lesson that could benefit from some theatrical arts? Let Florida Studio Theatre build a workshop specifically for your students. Past “Build Your Own” workshops have included specialized workshops in how to write a musical, introduction to costume design, sketch comedy writing, and more!
Build Your Own Workshop pricing and length of residency vary depending on the specific project. Call for details.
Register for 2022-2023!
Contact Shelby Lynhall at 941.366.9797 or [email protected] for more information or to book your classroom's experience today!
*Additional discounts available for Title I schools
PLAY SUBMISSION FORM
For guidelines on how to submit your play to the 2023 Young Playwrights Festival playwriting competition, click here. Priority deadline for submitting your play: February 24, 2023.
HELPFUL GUIDES
For a step-by-step playwriting guide (recommended for grades 6-12) click here.
For a playwriting brainstorm (recommended for grades K-5) click here.
WATCH
Elementary Playwriting Video Tutorials:
Character Lesson | WATCH
Setting Lesson | WATCH
Conflict Lesson | WATCH
Dialogue Lesson | WATCH
Final Steps | WATCH