Submission deadline: Friday, August 31, 2012, 11:59 EST

Monologues submitted after August 31 11:59 PM (EST) will not be accepted. Monologues that do not follow the entry guidelines will not be accepted.

We often share our own stories in the way we give gifts. In sharing stories, we share pieces of ourselves. Someone initiates. Someone reciprocates. Sometimes, we regret what we’ve given; other times, we receive far greater than what we give.

In July 2006, the Hijabi Monologues was founded. Since then, HM has included new stories shared by others touched along the way; organized and performed for thousands across the U.S. and abroad including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Ottawa Arts Court, and Peacock Theatre in Dublin.

The Hijabi Monologues team is excited to announce the 2012 nationwide story contest. We accept submissions from and for all ages: adults, teenagers and children. Grandmothers, mothers and daughters.

JUDGES
Dan Morrison is the CEO and Founder of Citizen Effect, a nonprofit that empowers anyone to be a philanthropist for a small but critical project around the world. Dan received his graduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies at University of Chicago where he met fellow Hijabi Monologues founders Sahar Ullah and Zeenat Rahman.

Zeenat Rahman is Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues at U.S. Department of State. Zeenat received her graduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies at University of Chicago where she met fellow HM founders Sahar Ullah and Dan Morrison.

Sahar Ishtiaque Ullah is a founder and the Creative Director for the Hijabi Monologues. From South Florida and a lover of good stories, she continues to learn the priceless value of “I don’t know” and lived experiences.

Avery Willis-Hoffman is a freelance producer, director and writer working in theatre, opera, and museum exhibit design. She earned her BA in English Literature and Classics at Stanford University, and her MA and PhD in Classical Languages, Literature, and Theatre at University of Oxford (UK).

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
1. Winning writers will be announced on the Hijabi Monologues-Official Facebook fan page.
2. Winning writers will be given the opportunity to work with an HM performer in directing a performance of their stories.
3. Hijabi Monologues will share the winning stories on YouTube and the Hijabi Monologues-Official Facebook fan page.

TO ENTER
Entry is free.

When you submit your story, you will be asked to provide:
1. Confirmation that the monologue submitted is completely original to you. You are the present and exclusive and sole owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the story.
2. Confirmation that the monologue has not been published, used in an anthology, or winner of any other contests.
3. Confirmation that the monologue is a true story.

ENTRY GUIDELINES
1. One (1) entry per person (one monologue).
2. Scripts in Microsoft Word (.doc) are requested.
3. The monologue should be double-spaced and no longer than 800 words or 6 minutes.
4. Contact information (name, E-mail address, etc.) on the cover page only.
5. Please put the title of your monologue at the top of each page.
6. Please paginate your script at the bottom of each page: 1 of 5, 2 of 5 etc
7. Submit your monologue by emailing hm.storycontest@gmail.comwith the subject “Story Contest Submission 2012.”

MONOLOGUE GUIDELINES AND TIPS
1. The hijab may be used as a “prop” but should not be the centerpiece or story subject.
2. Your story does not have to be something absolutely crazy. In even the utterly mundane, there can be a narrative.
3. Use explicit regional references. Do not shy away from using Muslim (eg. He broke his wudu), cultural/ regional specific (eg. She was hella mad.) or ethnic (eg. Her dupatta was always freshly pressed) lingo. At the same time, the story should be accessible to a wide audience.
4. Stories about sexuality are fine but keep in mind that Muslim women have been represented as hyper-sexual, asexual and sexually repressed in popular film and literature. Be creative!
5. Stories written for young audiences are welcomed.
6. As an exercise, highlight the elements that are specific to the storyteller’s quirks. Then highlight the elements that are “universal.” Both of these elements are very important.
7. Read your monologue aloud. It should sound like a story–and less like a campaign speech, sermon and/or spoken word poetry.
8. Again, local stories (i.e., specific to a particular region, city or town) are a big plus!
9. Keep in mind that we receive a lot of submissions along the theme of “people you meet” or “why I am ‘exceptional’.” Tell us another story!