#123: Showtime
It’s no secret that the colder months are the best time to grab tickets to see a show; it’s a festive tradition, and many of our favorite plays actually made their debuts during this time. (Fun fact! It was on this day 74 years ago that Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire was performed on Broadway for the first time.)
From the roar of the audience to the dazzling lights, there’s nothing quite like it. It’s that theater spirit, and a simple love of drama, that inspired us to create this week’s prompts. So let’s celebrate all things theatrical both on-stage and off, with stories that’ll get your audience crying, laughing, and (hopefully) giving a standing ovation.
🥇 Winner
“Southern Comfort and the Kindness of Strangers” by Patrick Samuel
🏆 Winner of Contest #123
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Seventh of Seven” by Anne Sellers
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #123
“Sky At Night” by Max Harper
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #123
“Off Book” by Amanda Van Regenmorter
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #123
This week's prompts
Start your story looking down from a stage.
Thriller and Suspense – 56 stories
Write about a character who always wears a mask (physical or metaphorical).
Angst – 49 stories
Begin or end your story with “Well, that was dramatic.”
Christmas – 40 stories
Write a story about a character practising a speech in front of the mirror. What are they preparing for?
Middle School – 38 stories
Set your story backstage at the theater.
Halloween – 30 stories
Stories
“Southern Comfort and the Kindness of Strangers” by Patrick Samuel
🏆 Winner of Contest #123
“Iriewani” by Alex Sultan
Submitted to Contest #123
“Seventh of Seven” by Anne Sellers
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #123
“While Dressed As An Owl” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #123
“Florida Man” by Deidra Whitt Lovegren
Submitted to Contest #123
“The last word” by Melissa Manzone
Submitted to Contest #123
“Loose Ends” by Antonio Jimenez
Submitted to Contest #123
“Wunderbar!” by A.Dot Ram
Submitted to Contest #123
“Sky At Night” by Max Harper
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #123
“The Season of Grace” by Daniel R. Hayes
Submitted to Contest #123
“The Sandman Ball” by Amanda Lieser
Submitted to Contest #123
“Room at the Inn” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #123
“My Masquerading Mercantilism” by Kevin Marlow
Submitted to Contest #123
“Curtain Call” by Tatjana Bulovic
Submitted to Contest #123
“Just a Random Rant” by Francis Daisy
Submitted to Contest #123
$250
Prize money
213
Contest entries
136
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Dec 10, 2021 EST
Won by Patrick Samuel 🏆
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!