Sonnet Contest

The Sonnet Contest, open to students and adults, provides an opportunity to showcase writing skills by writing an Elizabeth sonnet.

Write an original Shakespearean sonnet based upon themes made popular in Elizabethan England by William Shakespeare.

Rules

1. Entries must be submitted in one of three Divisions: Middle School (grades 6 through 8), High School (grades 9 through 12) and Adult.
2. All entries must be original work and submitted by the author.
3. All entries must be composed in English. No translations.
4. Entries must be original sonnets using the Shakespearean rhyme scheme. The general rule is that a sonnet is 14 lines of iambic pentameter - 2 syllables per meter (foot) 5 meters (feet) per line. Shakespearean rhyme scheme consists of three quatrains and a couplet (abab cdcd efef gg).
5. One sonnet per entry per author.
6. Entries must be received no later than midnight EDT, April 25, 2009.
7. OOTW reserves the right to cancel this contest if insufficient entries are received.
8. All entries will be judged on originality and best interpretation of the Renaissance theme. The decision of the judges is final. Winners will be announced no later than May 15, 2009.

1st place - The winning sonnet in each division will be published in the Faire program. Winner will read their sonnets at the Virginia Renaissance and receive a family 4 pack of tickets to the Virginia Renaissance Faire
2nd place - Receive two tickets to the Virginia Renaissance Faire
3rd place - Receive two tickets to the Virginia Renaissance Faire
All participates will receive a certificate of participation.

For additional information, call (703) 508-5036, or email educational coordinator.

OOTW reserves the right to use any of the designs for future marketing with prior notice and appropriate credit.