# California Young Playwrights Contest

Statewide playwriting contest for Californians under 19, run by Playwrights Project since 1985: winners age 15+ receive full professional productions at a San Diego theatre, younger winners get staged readings.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Playwrights Project |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://playwrightsproject.org/programs/california-young-playwrights-contest/ |

## About this program

# California Young Playwrights Contest

The California Young Playwrights Contest is the flagship program of Playwrights Project, a San Diego nonprofit that has developed young writers through the contest since 1985 - its winners' festival, Plays by Young Writers, marked its 40th annual edition. Any Californian under age 19 may submit an original script, and every entrant who requests it receives a written evaluation of their play from a theater professional.

## What You'll Do

- Write an original play in standard play format (25-30 pages or shorter is typical; collaborations and group plays are accepted)
- Submit during the annual window, which closes June 1 each year
- Receive individualized written feedback with encouraging suggestions for revision
- If selected, develop your script with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors for the Plays by Young Writers festival

## Who Should Apply

Any California resident under the age of 19 as of the June 1 deadline - middle school and high school writers alike enter, and scripts are evaluated in age groups. The 2026 contest closed June 1, 2026, with winners notified in fall 2026 and scripts produced in spring 2027 at a professional theatre in San Diego; the 2027 contest is expected to follow the same annual cycle.

## Outcomes

Winning writers aged 15 and older receive full professional productions of their plays; younger winning writers receive staged readings performed by professional actors. A produced script, professional feedback, and a 40-year-old statewide credential make this one of the most substantive playwriting opportunities available to California students.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for California Young Playwrights Contest?

California Young Playwrights Contest is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is California Young Playwrights Contest online or in person?

California Young Playwrights Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to California Young Playwrights Contest?

Apply directly through Playwrights Project's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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