Star Search Scriptwriting Competition
Stories have the power to awaken faith, inspire action, and reveal the heart of God. Here, creatives of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can write, imagine, and proclaim hope through drama—fostering community, amplifying diverse voices, and igniting purpose and passion across The Salvation Army and beyond.
Are you a writer?
You might not be a published author yet, but we know you’ve got some ideas brewing! All ages and skill levels are welcome, so, get those ideas down on paper and submit a script! It’s not as scary as it sounds; Arts Ministries wants to work with you to bring the best out of your writing. All submissions receive written feedback, and some writers can receive live virtual coaching to take your work to the next level! The winning script(s) will be featured as the test pieces for Divisional and Territorial Star Search 2027! Simply follow the script formatting, content rules, and the requirements below.
I submitted a script, now what?
Arts Ministries’ Writers Committee will read through all submitted scripts and provide written feedback and/or virtual coaching. Submissions will likely require changes and resubmission before a secondary deadline. The winner(s) will be announced on social media and the SA bulletin, and will be featured at next year’s Star Search with nominal compensation of $1.00.
Before clicking submit, make sure you’ve completed the following:
Review “Formatting Requirements” below.
Review “Script Guidelines” below.
Review the requirements for Group A&B or Monologues below.
Sign and acknowledge the “The Salvation Army’s Assignment of Copyright Agreement” on the application (this happens automatically when you click the link here).
Rules & Requirements
- Document Settings: 12pt font, Times New Roman, single-spaced
- Line 1: Original title and proposed Star Search level (Ex: Feeding the Five Thousand | Group A)
- Line 2: Writer’s name (that’s you)
- Line 3-5: Brief overview/blurb noting tone, content, direction prompts and writer’s comments
- Must NOT use: imitation of cultural accents, public figures, political commentary, expensive/elaborate props/ costumes, stereotypes or generalizations about groups of people, shaming, language that stigmatizes or makes light of mental, emotional or physical disabilities/conditions.
- Must be original written work. All submitted scripts will be reviewed and evaluated for the use of AI assistance.
- Must include at least one line or verse of quoted scripture.
- Must be based on Biblical truths and/or Salvation Army doctrines.
- Must include general stage directions/prompts for novice directors/performers. (Performers do not need to adhere to these prompts.)
- Must be gender neutral.
- Must be in English or Spanish. All scripts will be translated into both languages by Arts Ministries. Please avoid the use of play-on words, slang, or rhyming for best results.
- Must be 3-4 pages in length for an estimated 3-4 minute performance.
- 4 character/voices with the possibility of expanding to add actors. (For example: Explore lines where everyone speak together, leaving room for additional actors to participate.)
- Must be only 1 page in length for an estimated 3 minute performance.
- Must be character-based.
FAQ’s
No! We want to receive submissions from all ages!
Star Search has some particular parameters we need to curate for the corps actors and directors. If a script is a quick ‘no’ for us, it’s usually because the content falls far outside the rules and guidelines, and we can’t see a way to make it work for Star Search, even with an edit. (Ex. Too many characters, or way too long, or requiring elaborate costumes.)
Submissions are due September 30, 2026. After Arts Ministries reads through the submissions, they will provide feedback and may require a second submission/rewrite. But don’t worry, that’s all part of the process of being a writer.
