ARTS OF AMERICA
DRAMATIC ARTS
COMPETITION
Step into the spotlight with the Arts of America Dramatic Arts Competition — a premier event created for passionate actors, spoken word artists or poets ready to share their voice and artistry on a national stage.
Designed to be both prestigious and accessible, our Semifinal Round allows participants to submit performances by video, while receiving valuable feedback and scores from distinguished judges. Top applicants will be invited to the live Finals, where exceptional talent from the dramatic, dance, and music divisions come together for an inspiring multidisciplinary event unlike any other. Compete for awards and enjoy master classes and workshops.
Whether you are delivering a powerful monologue, an original poem, or a captivating spoken word performance, Arts of America offers the opportunity to gain recognition, receive professional feedback, compete among outstanding artists, and potentially earn scholarships, special awards, and opportunities from partner organizations.
Awards, Masterclasses, Scholarships: $1000 Grand Prize Winner award; Mark Cortale Presents will offer a private Consultation/Coaching to an Actor or Musical Theatre singer; Hugh Wooldridge will offer a Master Class at the Finals; Interlochen Center for the Arts Scholarship; The Casting Director's Cut will offer a free service; Dwight Global Online will offer a scholarship. More TBA. View our Partners Page for more details.
REGISTRATION DATES:
OPENS: August 1, 2026
CLOSES: December 1, 2026
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
Fill out the Application Form, provide a link to your video, upload a Photo and Bio, and pay the Application Fee. See below for more specific video requirements.
REGISTRATION FEE:
$75
ENTRY FEE:
$125 per Solo
$75 per person for Duos/Trios
$50 per person for Ensembles
CATEGORIES:
Enter in the category for your age as of January 1, 2027.
ACTING Age
Child Female 7-12
Child Male 7-12
Teen Female 13-19
Teen Male 13-19
Adult Female 20 and up
Adult Male 20 and up
Duo/Trio All ages
Ensesmble (4 people or more) All ages
POETRY/SPOKEN WORD Age
Teen 13-19
Adult 20 and up
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS:
Actors: Submit a monologue of your choice between 1 and 2 minutes in length. Monologues should be performed in a theatrical stage style, demonstrating clear diction, vocal projection, and expressive characterization appropriate for a live audience. Film and television acting techniques are not recommended.
Poets/Spoken Word Artists: Submit your original poetry performed by you, between 1 and 2 minutes in length.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
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Provide a YouTube link to your video. Videos must NOT be password protected.
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Videos must be current. Do not submit a video that is more than one year old.
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Videos should provide a clear view of the applicant performing live.
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Videos that do not provide a clear view of the applicant, videos that have poor sound quality, or videos that appear to be dubbed or edited will be rejected, and we will ask you to provide a different video.
EVALUATION PERIOD:
The judges will review all videos and provide written evaluations and scores during the Evaluation Period: December 2, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Finalists will be announced on February 1, 2027.
JUDGING PROCESS:
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Judges will provide written feedback and scores on a scale of 1-100.
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The highest scorers will be invited to the Finals.
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The Finals are at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27, 2027. Winners will be announced at the completion of the Finals.
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Judges’ decisions are final and may not be disputed.
AWARDS:
Grand Prize Award for Dramatic Arts: $1,000
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each Category receive medals (Gold, Silver Bronze).
A top 10 in each category will be announced out of all submissions from the Semifinal. Those scoring 95 or higher will advance to the Finals.
See the Partners Page for other scholarship and awards.
Free Master Class by Hugh Wooldridge at the Finals.
All participants may be promoted on our website and social media channels.
The top 5 winners in each Category will receive Winner Certificates.
Finalists receive Finalist Certificates.
Semifinalists will receive Semifinalist Certificates.
All Finalists and Winners will have a chance to be considered for professional contracts and scholarships from Arts of America partner organizations.
OTHER POLICIES:
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The Judges reserve the right not to award a prize in any particular category.
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All Finalists are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
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If you need a letter of recommendation (for a college application, job application, or foreign visa support letter) we can supply one for a $25 fee.
For full policies please click here.