Word of Mouth Monologue Competition

On September 12, 2022, Streams Community Hub will launch the second annual Word of Mouth Monologue Competition.

This competition provides an exciting opportunity for children and youth aged 8–17 from Dufferin County to be engaged, develop and express their creative voices, and showcase the work of diverse Canadian playwrights. They will also have the opportunity to win some significant cash prizes.

The event will include online submissions, with an in-person coaching session for finalists and a filmed final event, where the winners will be selected. The final event will be shared via a live premiere broadcast (via YouTube/Social Media).

The details

• Submissions will be open to two age categories: 8-12 and 13-17.
• Contestants in these two age categories will choose one monologue, from a list carefully curated by Streams Community Hub, to reflect the stories of diverse Canadian playwrights.
• Contestants will film their performances according to the competition recording guidelines and submit them online through our website.
• Once the submission window has closed, the public will be engaged and invited to vote for some "Fan Favourite" awards. Concurrently, a panel of judges, consisting of actors, teachers and playwrights will select three to five finalists from each category for the live final.
• Finalists will present their monologues live on stage, after which the judges will decide on the winners.

This event is designed to accomplish several objectives

1. Youth engagement, excitement and inspiration
2. Youth exposure to and education about Canadian playwrights with diverse storytelling experiences
3. Community engagement in supporting and encouraging young and aspiring artists
4. Frankly, fun. It's been a challenging couple of years, and we all need an outlet of expression and something to make us smile and keep us encouraged.

Why this matters

As a provider of youth programs and services, especially in North Dufferin County, we know first-hand just how needed these programs are. Our organization was founded specifically to meet this need.

We know the physical effects of COVID-19. They have been drummed into our minds for over two years now. But there is also a psychological effect of all of this social isolation that is occurring—the long-term effects of which are unknown. Those of us who work with youth need to be looking for ways to mitigate these effects, whatever they may be.

While young people are forced to adapt and to learn new technological skills, are their communication skills suffering? How is their self-esteem being affected? Are their social skills being stunted before they have even had a chance to develop?

Well here’s what we know. In addition to building social and communication skills overall, involvement in drama, and theatre performance has been shown to improve students' self-esteem as well as their confidence in their academic abilities. Although we can’t offer them a physical stage right now, we can still challenge their esteem to grow and support them as they rise to the challenge.

We’ll combine individual, personal creativity, with the rallying support of the community, and the rewards of not just winning, but having participated in something excellent and beautiful.

This is an opportunity to be part of some good news. It's something to feel good about, at a time when there is so much to feel bad about. We believe this event can lift the spirits and voices of young people, and enrich the hearts and minds of the wider community in Dufferin County.

First Prize Sponsors (x2) - $1,150

First prize sponsors receive these benefits

• Business or organization name/logo inscribed on trophy
• A representative from your organization presents the award with the opportunity to speak to the viewing audience
• Prominent logo placement on event website
• Mentions in media promotions
• First right of refusal to retain sponsorship position in next year’s event

Second Prize Sponsors (x2) - $500

Second place prize sponsors receive

• Prominent logo placement on event website
• Mentions in media promotions

Fan Favourite Awards - Presenting Sponsor - $250

Fan Favourite awards sponsor receives these benefits

• Prominent logo placement on event website
• Mentions in media promotions
• Increased additional exposure during the public voting period of the competition (includes radio mentions)

Final Show Online Broadcast Event – Presenting Sponsor - $$ negotiable

Final online broadcast event sponsor receives these benefits

• Final online broadcast event is presented as “brought to you by” <your organization>
• One 30 second ad spot during the final online broadcast
• Prominent logo placement on event website
• Mentions in media promotions
• First right of refusal to retain sponsorship position in next year’s event
• Have something else in mind? We can customize this opportunity to suit your needs.

Tentative Timeline

• August 15 - Promotion begins
• September 12 - Launch (open call for submissions)
• October 14 - Submission window closes, public voting begins
• October 28 - Public voting ends, fan favourites announced
• November 7 - Finalists announced
• November 25/26 - Final show is filmed
• Week of December 19 - Final show online broadcast event

Your sponsorship opportunity spans five months.