In connection with Director John Waters visiting College of DuPage in March of 2025, the COD Creative Writing and Theater programs are co-sponsoring a one-act playwriting contest.
Waters will screen his famous movie "Hairspray" at the McAninch Arts Center on March 16. Important themes include racism and segregation, body positivity and self-acceptance, the power of dance and music as cultural unifiers, rebellion against conformity, empowerment, and activism. Judging preference will be given to those submissions that touch on one or more of these themes from the film.
Playwriting Contest
- There are two contest categories - entrants can only submit to one: (1) current COD students; (2) COD alumni.
- Each category offers a top prize of $200.
- Two honorable mention prizes of $50 each will also be offered in each category.
- All winning plays will be performed in a reader’s theater style event by COD Theater Program students and directors in “The Alcove” in the COD Library on Wednesday, April 23. The event is free and all are welcome.
The top three current student entries will receive professional consultations with playwright Susan Winstead. This consultation is made possible by federal Perkins grant funding through the College of DuPage Creative Writing Certificate.
Current COD Students
- First Place - $200
- Honorable Mention - $50
- Honorable Mention - $50
COD Alumni
- First Place - $200
- Honorable Mention - $50
- Honorable Mention - $50
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions are now closed.
Submission Review Criteria
- 10-minute maximum
- One scene
- Limited characters (2-4)
- All work must be original (AI generated text is not accepted)
- Preference will be given to plays that address at least one of the themes from "Hairspray," racism and segregation, body positivity and self acceptance, the power of dance and music as cultural unifiers, rebellion against conformity, empowerment, and activism
Submission Deadlines and Dates
- Contest Launch: Start of Spring 2025 Semester
- Submission Deadline: Monday, March 3 (now closed)
- Performance and Award Ceremony: Wednesday, April 23
Contact Information
Jason Snart
Chair of Literature, Creative Writing and Film
snartj@cod.edu