This will be Mudlark’s 11th Mudpie production.

Our annual show is back…with a twist. It’s time to make another Mudpie; a show inspired by creative writing pieces written by kids in our community. But this year we have a challenge and question for everyone submitting. What do you care about right now? Humorous or heartfelt, political or parody, we’re asking what matters to you in this moment. In our ever changing world that is both wonderful and at risk…now what?    

We are looking for any type of writing from young people (ages 18 and under). Your pieces could be short stories, poems, speeches, personal essays, original fairy tales, rants, reflections, or free-writes. They can be serious, silly, or abstract. These pieces will be performed by young actors grades 6th-8th, so please ensure that content is appropriate.

do i have to write a script?

No! Actually we often prefer submissions that aren’t scripts! That allows our actors and creative team to adapt pieces for the stage for a specific number of performers and characters.

what not to submit:

We cannot accept copyrighted material. That means if it is someone else’s idea or intellectual property we won’t consider it. So a sequel to Wicked or Stranger Things? Sorry that belongs to someone else!

However we LOVE a good parody piece! Parody is an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. So a comedic re-write of “Running Up That Hill” about the kids from Stranger Things running late for the bus? That’s fair game!

still not sure what to write?

Try out one of these writing prompts:

• When I look outside my window, I see…

• If only people knew that I…

• To change the world, I would start by…

• What will your city look like 100 years from now?

• Tell a story that starts as a nightmare and ends as a dream.

• I wish there was a day to celebrate…

• My classmates don’t understand that…

• Write a rulebook for equality.

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY February 20th

Young authors will be notified if their writing piece was chosen to be a part of this year’s Mudpie by the end of March. If a piece is not chosen for the production during the Spring of 2026, there is a possibility for its inclusion in future performances.