Because of Winn Dixie Essay Contest

This summer, Goodspeed Musicals, a two-time Tony Award-winning theatre company dedicated to the development, advancement, and preservation of musical theatre, is thrilled to produce a joyful, uplifting new musical: Because of Winn Dixie. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning novel and featuring one of literature’s most beloved four-legged friends, Because of Winn Dixie follows a young girl and her father, a preacher, as they take in a stray dog they found in their small town’s supermarket. Featuring music by Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening) and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde: The Musical), this new musical explores how a small Southern town full of lost souls finds connection and compassion within each other. 

For this production, Goodspeed is excited to be partnering with the Connecticut Library Consortium to introduce a brand new opportunity for students: a statewide essay writing contest! In the spirit of community engagement and Because of Winn Dixie’s message of joy and positivity, we are asking students to write a five paragraph essay answering the question: “Who is your Winn Dixie?”

Because of Winn Dixie will be performed at The Goodspeed June 28 - Sept 1.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the show.

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ABOUT THE CONTEST:

Who can enter the contest? This contest is open to 4th and 5th grade students in the state of Connecticut.

What should the essay be about? The essay should answer the question, “Who is your Winn Dixie?” Some ideas might be: Is there a person or pet in your life who has helped you make friends? Or fit in at a new school? Or helped you through a sad time?

Does my essay have to be about a pet or animal? No, your essay can be about anyone—animal or person—who has helped you the way Winn Dixie helps Opal in the story.

What kind of essay should I write? Essays must be five paragraphs in length.

Does the winner of the contest get a prize? The winner of the contest will be awarded 4 tickets to see Because of Winn Dixie at The Goodspeed, as well as a special meet-and-greet with the actors playing Opal and Winn Dixie! In addition, the winner’s classmates, teacher, and school librarian will each receive 2 complimentary tickets to the show!

How do I enter the contest? To enter, click the SUBMIT ESSAY button below, fill out the contest form, and upload your essay. You may also print out an Entry Form and mail it to Goodspeed Musicals with your essay. 

When should I submit my essay? You can submit your essay any time between April 15th and May 15th.  

When will the winner be announced? The winner of the contest will be announced on May 30th!

OFFICIAL RULES

1. ELIGIBILITY: The contest is open to students in 4th and 5th grade in a Connecticut school or homeschool during the contest period (April 15 through May 30, 2019).
2. LENGTH: Essays must be five paragraphs in length and answer the question: Who is your Winn Dixie? Submissions that do not meet this requirement, or that exceed it, will be disqualified. The essay can be about anyone – animal or person – who has helped you the way Winn Dixie helps Opal in the story.
3. ORIGINAL WORK: Essays must be completely the work of the student entering the contest. While we encourage students to brainstorm and discuss topic options with their parents, the construction and language of each essay should be entirely done by the student. Parents may: 1) Type essays for younger students. 2)  Direct students to resources where answers can be found (e.g. suggesting a student look in a dictionary or specific book if he or she has a question about spelling a word or a specific topic). 3) Help students understand the grammar or spelling suggestions made by the Word processor.
4. SUBMISSION: Essays should be submitted using the online form at www.goodspeed.org or by printing an entry form and mailing it to Goodspeed Musicals with your essay. Essays can be submitted any time between April 15 and May 15, 2019. Mailed essays must be postmarked by May 15, 2019.
5. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Essays will be evaluated by a panel of judges appointed by Goodspeed Musicals and Connecticut Library Consortium. Essays will be judged on originality of thought, grammar, spelling, logic, clarity, writing style, and content. The decisions of the judges are final. Submission indicates acceptance of all contest rules.
6. WINNER: The winner of the contest will be announced on May 30. The essay will be read live on Facebook Live by the actress playing Opal in the Goodspeed Musicals production. The decision of the judges is final.
7. PRIZES: The winner of the contest will be awarded a certificate for 4 complimentary tickets to see Because of Winn Dixie at The Goodspeed at any available performance between June 28 and September 1, 2019, as well as a special meet-and-greet with the actors playing Opal and Winn Dixie, at a mutually agreeable time. In addition, classmates, teacher and school librarian will also each receive a certificate for two complimentary tickets to the show, valid for an evening performance between June 28 and September 1, 2019. Ticket reservations and seating are subject to availability.
8. OTHER INFORMATION: Essays become the property of Goodspeed Musicals and will not be returned. Entry in the contest constitutes permission for Goodspeed Musicals and Connecticut Library Consortium to publish the essay at its discretion. Full credit will always be given to the original author. Contestants waive any rights of compensation or ownership over photos or videos captured during the contest and give permission for the child’s image to be used by Goodspeed Musicals and Connecticut Library Consortium for publicity purposes in Goodspeed brochures; on Goodspeed’s and Connecticut Library Consortium’s websites and social media accounts; in Connecticut Library Consortium’s newsletter, and in newspa­pers, magazines, and television promotions.