High School Performance Lab
Write It. Hear It. See It Come Alive.
The High School Performance Lab is a creative writing and performance competition for high school students in Indiana — and one of the most distinctive youth theatre programs in the state. At its core, it is an act of belief: that Indiana's high schools are already full of writers whose voices deserve to be heard, trained, celebrated and brought to life on a real stage before a real audience.
The Lab is a competitive showcase, but competition is only one dimension of its purpose. It is equally a school of craft, a community of practice, and an encounter with a literary and theatrical tradition stretching back centuries.
Two Ways to Enter
10-Minute Plays
Original short plays with a clear dramatic structure, evaluated by a panel of theatre professionals and humanities scholars.
3-Minute Monologues
Original dramatic monologues written for a single character — a first chance for many young writers to have their work heard.
What the Lab Offers Participants
A layered, meaningful experience for every student who takes part.
A Platform for Original Work
Every student submits an original play or monologue for genuine artistic feedback from distinguished theatre professionals — assessed, not graded.
Direct Access to Professionals
Masterclass sessions with award-winning playwright Andrew Black, a keynote from Dr. Akin Adesokan (IU Bloomington), and a dramaturgy session with Dr. Ana Cándida Carneiro.
Hearing Your Words on Stage
Selected writers hear trained Indiana University Bloomington MFA actors perform their work before a live audience, followed by a moderated talkback.
A Bridge to Higher Education
Through IU Bloomington faculty and MFA students, participants encounter the possibilities of university-level study in playwriting, acting and dramatic arts.