California Poetry Out Loud
Students memorize and perform published poems, advancing from classroom to county/state competitions; state champion wins cash and represents CA at National Finals.
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PlayGround Young Playwrights Contest
Bay Area high schoolers write short plays on an annual prompt ("Tales of the City" 2026); finalists get a professional staged reading with actors at the PlayGround Festival.
Access/VSA Playwright Discovery Program
HS writers with disabilities submit a ten-minute script; winners receive stipends and join a script-development program with theater pros, including Kennedy Center activities.
Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate
Young poets ages 13-18 in Alameda County are selected as Laureate ambassadors, performing at public events and leading community poetry projects for a one-year term.
California Young Playwrights Contest
Winning scripts get a full professional production or staged reading in San Diego.
Marin Youth Poet Laureate & Ambassador
Marin County teens submit poetry and a community-commitment statement; selected Laureate/Ambassadors serve a one-year term hosting readings and leading creative projects.
National Playwriting Competition (Young Playwrights Inc.)
Winning scripts are professionally developed and produced Off-Broadway.