Original Works

Productions eligible to be considered for the award of “Outstanding Original Script” must meet the following criteria:
Production Requirements:
  • The script must have been produced by a participating theatre organization in Shelby County, unless approved by the Ostrander Director.
  • The production should create a sense of place, character, and atmosphere with minimal, focused design elements.
  • The full script must be presented as written; major deviations may disqualify the entry.

Script Requirements:
  • The script must have a unifying principle. Thus, a collection of One Act plays would clearly need to have a central theme to be considered by the judges.
  • It must not have been published or produced prior to this production.
  • It must be an original work. Adaptations are permitted only if written specifically for the submitting company and include significant original material.
  • A completed PDF script must be submitted to the Ostrander Director no later than one week after the final performance of the production.
  • It must use standard play format: 12‑pt font, 1″ margins, numbered pages, and submitted as a PDF.
  • The script should be anonymous (no author name within the script itself).
A separate cover sheet must include:
  • Script title
  • Playwright name(s)
  • Estimated running time
  • Total page count
  • Cast size
  • Confirmation that the work is original and unpublished
  • Contact information for the submitting organization

Categories & Length Requirements
  • Full-Length Original Script: 50–100 pages, estimated runtime 60–120 minutes.
  • Short Original Script: 15–49 pages, estimated runtime 20–59 minutes.
    • Submissions under 15 pages may be considered if the playwright can demonstrate the piece functions as a complete theatrical work.
  • Musical Script Requirements
    • All music and lyrics must be original.
    • The script (“book”) must be original or an adaptation specifically created for the submission.
    • Ineligible Formats
    • Musical revues of previously produced songs.
    • Staged readings, workshops, script-in-hand, or partially memorized performances.

Adjudication:
A designated Original Works Panel will:
  • Read each submitted script.
  • Attend the live performance.
  • This panel is distinct from the general Ostrander adjudication panels used for other categories and the presenting organization will provide 2 tickets per adjudicator. 

Should no suitable piece be submitted, the Ostrander Committee reserves the right to not declare a contest winner in any given year.

Evaluation Criteria for Reviewers
Overall Readiness
  • Is the script polished and production-ready?
  • Is the narrative clear and coherent?
  • Could another theatre produce this?

Originality & Voice
  • Is there a unique perspective or distinctive voice?
  • Does it contribute something new to the theatrical landscape?

Dramatic Structure
  • Does the story have a clear arc and tension?
  • Are scenes well-paced and purposeful?

Character Development
  • Are characters distinct, believable, and well-developed?
  • Do characters evolve meaningfully?

Dialogue
  • Does the dialogue sound authentic and purposeful?
  • Is it engaging and well-crafted?

Theatricality
  • Does the script leverage the distinctive strengths of live theatre?
  • Are there moments that feel particularly stage-worthy?

Future Production Potential
  • Will it appeal to a diverse audience base?
  • Is it adaptable to different venues?
  • Would others want to produce it again?