Creative Writing Auditions

Creative Writing promotes both poetry and prose in a meaningful yet fun-filled program. Leading state writers encourage creativity using state of the art exercises including publishing a book — The Writer's Eye. Our alumni have won awards such as the SC Young Poets Prize, and the State Newspaper single poetry contest. As part of the Tri-DAC program, by interacting with other art areas, students gain new insights.

The 2024 deadline has passed.

Audition Requirements

As part of the audition process, a writing portfolio must be submitted. The portfolio should include original works of poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction showcasing the writer's creative talent and ability to respond to writing prompts.

The writer must complete FOUR of the prompts from the following list for their portfolio:

• A poem that invents a myth about an everyday instrument, such as a toothbrush, a pencil, a highway reflector, etc.

• A poem that describes a single color without using the sense of sight (red feels like…, a blue sky tastes like…, how does it feel to be yellow?)

• 1-2 page short story about a single character

• 1-2 page short story that describes a setting

• 1-2 page piece of creative nonfiction that focuses on a time in your life when you overcame an obstacle (consider how the moment changed you in some small or large way that others might relate to)

• 1-2 page piece of creative nonfiction about a journey you took (it could be vacation or a walk in the woods, but the focus has to be on the journey, not the destination)

The cover page of the portfolio must include the following information:

• Writer's name

• Writer's address

• Writer's home phone number

• School

• School district

• Grade

Portfolios should be submitted electronically by February 27th to cw.tridac@gmail.com as an attachment. The portfolio must be saved in a DOC, DOCX, or PDF format as a single file. The file name should be saved as “lastname-cwportfolio” as in “smith-cwportfolio.” Please keep the document design simple and avoid using curly fonts, colored text, clip art, etc. Times New Roman 12pt. font is preferred. You will receive confirmation once the portfolio has been received. Please be aware that because of the high volume of nominations, we have to enforce the portfolio guidelines in order to provide a fair selection process.

Audition

The audition will last for two hours and will include a workshop and interview.

Workshop

After a brief lesson, students will be given two writing assignments (one on poetry and one on prose) to complete in class. Please bring paper and pen or pencil. If your child is assigned to the 12:00 PM session, please make sure your child has eaten before the session.

Interview

While students are wrapping up their writing assignments, the creative writing staff will be conducting informal, one-on-one interviews. Students should be prepared to discuss the work included in the portfolio and their interest in writing. Interviews will last approximately 5-7 minutes.