For the Dance category, the student submitting the entry must be the choreographer. The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry.

Consider the following styles and ensembles: ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, folk dance, religious dance, dance ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), ice skating/dancing and gymnastics-floor routine.

Submission Requirements:

• Entries with added graphics over the video, including lettering, are not accepted.

• Cite background music on the student entry form (title, composer, and performer).

• Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabytes).

• Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.

For the Film Production category, the student is not required to appear in the film. All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. All entries must include original student footage/media/material. 

Consider the following styles: Animation, Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, and Multimedia. 

Submission Requirements:

• Cite background music on the student entry form (title, composer and performer).

• Digital slide presentations (PowerPoint) are not allowed.

• Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabytes).

• Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.

When preparing your entry for the Literature category, consider plot and characterization, setting and imagery, style, symbolism, etc. to show a clear relation to the theme. 

Consider the following literary styles for your fiction or non-fiction entry: prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative, short story. Collections of literary work are not accepted (e.g., poems, short 

Submission Requirements:

• Entry must not exceed 2,000 words.

• Handwritten and typed entries are accepted on 8.5x11 paper (one sided only). Number each page.

• Accepted formats: PDF or paper

• Include student's name and grade on the back of the entry.

*If a paper copy is submitted, entries will be returned to the student in the Spring upon request.

A Music Composition should expressess the composers own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. 

Consider the following musical styles and instruments: Acappella, blues, choral, country, electronic, hip hop, jazz, Latin, musical, orchestral, pop, R&B, religious, rock, symphonic/concert band, and traditional. All instruments, sounds, styles and combinations are accepted. Use structure, melody, rhythm, instruments, lyrics, emotion, etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.

Submission Requirements:

• Audio recording (required for all entries) must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabytes).  Accepted file formats: MP3, WAV

• Middle and high school grade divisions must include music score/notation, either traditional or tablature, or a written reflective statement (100 words or less).  Acceptable file format: PDF

An entry in the Photography category should capture the student's own thoughts and ideas with a camera, and focus on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources. Consider use of objects, lighting and the location to show a clear relation of the photo to the theme. 

Accepted forms of photography include: A single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram. Original black-and-white and color images.

Submission Requirements"

• Print images: between 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Digital images: at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. 

• Mounted prints must not exceed 11x14 inches, including matting. Framed photos are not accepted. 

• Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or original photograph.

• Include student's name and grade on the back of the entry.

*If the original photograph is submitted, entries will be returned to the student in the Spring.

Visual Arts include many art forms that are visual in nature.  Accepted forms of visual art include: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiberwork, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes. 

Consider art form, use of color, texture, shape, proportion etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.

Submission Requirements

• 2D artwork must include at least one digital image of artwork for judging. 

• Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting. 

• Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material. 

• Framed artwork is not accepted. 

• 3D artwork must include at least 3 photos of artwork at different angles for judging.

• Artwork containing loose materials and/or requiring assembly/repair from transporting is not accepted.

• Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG or PNG or original art.*

• Include student's name and grade on the back of the entry.
  
  

*If original works for art are submitted, entries will be returned to the student in the Spring.