2027 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Theater – Spoken

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

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Application Requirements

Each selection should be performed “in character” and in context of the show’s plot while demonstrating your artistic versatility. All selections must be fully memorized. We encourage you to choose material that is meaningful to you. Gender roles can be fluid.

Applicants must submit two (2) separate digital video recorded monologues for theater (not film) to include the following and in the following order:

  • One (1) contemporary monologue, not to exceed two (2) minutes, from a play (NOT a musical) written during or after the 1950’s-present Some examples include (but are not limited to) August Wilson, Caryl Churchill, Tony Kushner, Samuel D. Hunter, Bess Wohl, Lauren Yee, Arthur Miller, Clifford Odets, Lucan Hnath, Alice Childress, Suzan-Lori Parks
  • One (1) classical monologue, not to exceed two (2) minutes, from a play written before 1950. We are looking for elevated or stylized text. Some examples are (but not limited to) Shakespeare, Chekov, Ibsen, Shaw, the Greek comedies and tragedies, etc.
  • Please make certain the monologue is from an existing play and not a stand-alone piece from a monologue anthology or collection.
  • Total audition time for both monologues, not including introductions, should be approximately four (4) minutes.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required perform a selection of the panel’s choosing live on stage during National YoungArts Week. This may be a new selection and not from your application.

Recording Guidelines

  • Slate: Each monologue should contain the following introduction: “My piece is from (title of play) by (author) in the (role/character).”
    • If you are using a previous recording that has your name and/or other identifying information, it must be edited out to protect the anonymity of the adjudication process.
  • Sound: Make sure that your voice is clear without background noise. Practice your piece in the space.
  • Image: Be sure your image is clear and good quality without background distractions. The judges need to be able to see your facial expressions clearly in order to properly adjudicate your work.
  • Framing: The camera should be set at a fixed point of view. Shooting straight on, leaving the camera in one location at a distance. If using a phone, please position in landscape mode (horizontally). Framing should be from middle of the chest to just above the head.
  • Lighting: Make sure the space is well-lit, but not too bright. Judges should be able to see your face clearly. Too little light and judges cannot see you. Too much light will leave you overexposed, and judges cannot see your expressions.
  • Clothing: Wear clothing that is simple, comfortable, non-distracting and has a contrast to the background so that you can be seen clearly.

File Upload Guidelines

  • Save each selection individually and name the files with their titles.
  • Upload each selection as a separate file.
  • Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your files.
    • If you are using a previous recording that has your name and/or other identifying information, it must be edited out to protect the anonymity of the adjudication process.
  • Once uploaded, verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
  • Please do not submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts or competitions as these events typically have background noise and/or distractions.

NOTE: You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.