PAGE TO STAGE WRITING CONTESTS! WIN PRIZES!

  • Poetry Contest:
    Peter Pan is famous for his decision not to grow up, and so we’ve chosen the theme of growing up for this contest.  Writers may write on any subject relating to the theme – the hardships of growing up, the differences between adults and kids, the decision to try to remain young forever.  All themes and forms will be considered.  Poems must be typed, less than 3 pages and will be judged in three age categories:  Grades 3-5; Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12.
    Poetry Judge: Lucia Perillo. Ms. Perillo, is a poet, creative nonfiction and short story writer.  She has published four books of poetry and, in 2000, won the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award.  Her book of essays, I’ve Heard the Vultures Singing, came out last year and a new book of poems called Inseminating the Elephant will be published in 2009. www.luciaperillo.com
  • Dear Sir Barrie Contest:
    Write a one page letter (300-350 words) to Sir J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Tell Sir Barrie how it made you think about using your imagination in unique ways.  Rather than tell the chronology of the plot or relate events in the book, be inspired by the imaginative story that Sir Barrie wrote. Where could your imagination take you?  What’s possible in your imaginative life?   Letters must be typed and will be judged in three age categories:  Grades 3-5; Grades 7-9; Grades 10-12.
    Dear Sir Barrie Judge: Ann King. Ms. King is the Education Director for Capital Playhouse and the originator of the now 11 year old Page to Stage Theatre-Literacy Program. She has degrees in World Literature and the Education of Exceptional Children. She is writing her first book of adventures stories for young girls and looks forward to reading the letters to learn what students are imagining these days. www.peachespqa.com.
  • Captain Hook Sea Shanty Contest:
    When submitting your entry, tell us if it is a “hauling shanty” or a “windlass and Capstan shanty”.  Research Captain Hook, his ship the Jolly Roger and his mates! CLICK HERE for shanty examples and contest rules!
    Captain Hook Sea Shanty Judge: None other than Captain Hook himself! Captain Hook, pirate captain of the Jolly Roger, nemesis of Peter Pan, chased by the ticking crocodile, hook for a hand and dispenser of pirate lore, wants to be hearing your shanties. He works his crew till they be exhausted, 'tis their verses that keeps 'em going!

How and Where to Submit Your Entries

  1. By email (ann@capitalplayhouse.com), by mail, or in person delivery: Capital Playhouse, 612 E 4th Ave, Olympia WA 98501. If dropping off at the playhouse, enclose your entry in an envelope, Attn: Ann King, Education Director.
  2. Include your name, complete address, telephone, email, age and grade in school with your entry; this should be typed. Include a title for your poem or shanty; a Dear Sir Barrie salutation for your letter.
  3. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES:  6 pm Friday, July 25, 2008. No late entries accepted. 
  4. Who can enter? Any student, ages 8 to 18, who is a resident of Thurston, Mason, Lewis or Pierce Counties.

Prize winners will be contacted by telephone.