PENS AGAINST POVERTY
ChildFund Young Playwrights Challenge
*Entries Close This Week!*
If you are a Kiwi teacher with a passion for literacy and the arts, you are invited to take part in a new ChildFund Young Playwrights Challenge.
We challenge your class to produce the best student-written script based on ChildFund's recently released book, Mary's Christmas Yarn. Written by some of New Zealand's best-known storytellers, Mary's Christmas Yarn tells a light-hearted tale of a young Kiwi girl who learns what children in developing countries might do with the gift of a sheep.
The winning script will be performed by professional actors at a public premiere in time for Christmas 2012!
Who Will be Judging the Scripts?
Actor/Director, accomplished playwright and ChildFund Ambassador, Alison Quigan is joined on the judging panel by:
Respected actor and director John Callen, who is currently based in Wellington working on The Hobbit;
Cantabrian and internationally renowned actor and comedian Mark Hadlow, also in The Hobbit;
Auckland actor Michael Galvin, better-known as Dr Chris Warner on Shortland Street and equally respected as an award-winning playwright; and
Award-winning writer Rachel Lang who has helped create and write New Zealand television dramas such as Outrageous Fortune, Go Girls and The Almighty Johnsons.
How Does the Challenge Work?
• Schools enter the challenge by completing the online Registration form and paying the $10 registration fee
• A one Act script is created by Year 6, 7, or 8 pupils, adapted from the 10-chapter book, Mary's Christmas Yarn
• The best scripts from each school must be submitted by 30 April 2012. A maximum of three scripts per school. Class entries only – no individual scripts please.
• Five script finalists will be selected by a panel of expert judges
• Each finalist school will receive a visit by one of the judges to hear students read an excerpt of the script and receive feedback
• Certificates are awarded to each finalist, and all finalists are invited to the premiere event in December
• One winning script will be selected from the five finalists
• The winning script, together with an original musical score, will be performed by a professional cast in early December
Five Reasons to Get Involved
- The Challenge aligns with New Zealand curriculum in Literacy, Arts and Social Sciences
- ChildFund has developed sample lesson plans and worksheets for teachers to use in their classes
- This is a unique learning opportunity for students to develop their writing skills
- Participating schools will be sent a copy of the winning script
- Proceeds from the Premiere of the final play will go toward education resources for children in developing countries
What Should You Do Next?
- Register your school online
- Download the sample Lesson Plans
- View the Script Criteria
For more information, please see our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page.
