Blind submission

Definition

Blind submission is a process used in playwriting contests and festivals where the identity of the playwright is concealed from the judges during the evaluation of submitted works. This approach aims to ensure that selections are based solely on the quality of the script, free from any biases related to the playwright's reputation, experience, or background.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blind submission helps create a level playing field for all playwrights, allowing their work to be judged purely on merit.
2. Many prestigious festivals and contests adopt blind submission to promote fairness and inclusivity in the selection process.
3. In blind submission, scripts are often assigned identification numbers or codes to further protect the identity of the playwright.
4. This method can lead to unexpected discoveries of talent, as lesser-known playwrights have an equal opportunity to gain recognition.
5. While blind submission promotes fairness, it may also pose challenges for judges who want to provide feedback based on a playwright's intent or prior work.

Review Questions

• How does blind submission promote fairness in playwriting contests?
  • Blind submission promotes fairness by ensuring that judges evaluate scripts without any bias related to the playwright's identity. By concealing the identity of the playwright, all submissions are considered solely on their artistic and narrative quality. This approach allows emerging writers a chance to shine alongside more established playwrights, fostering a more equitable environment in which talent can be recognized without prejudice.
• What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of using blind submission in playwriting festivals?
  • Advantages of blind submission include increased fairness in judging, allowing new voices to emerge without bias, and encouraging creativity among all participants. However, disadvantages may arise as judges miss out on context about the playwright’s background or previous works that could inform their understanding. Additionally, the anonymity can sometimes make providing constructive feedback more challenging for judges who wish to offer insights based on a playwright's previous body of work.
• Evaluate the impact of blind submission on a playwright’s chances of success in competitive environments.
  • Blind submission can significantly enhance a playwright's chances of success by minimizing biases that often arise from an established reputation or previous accolades. This approach democratizes the selection process, enabling talented but lesser-known writers to gain recognition based purely on the quality of their work. However, it can also lead to challenges when successful pieces later reveal an established playwright's name, which could influence future opportunities and perceptions of merit within the industry.

Related terms

Anonymity: The state of being anonymous, where a playwright's identity remains undisclosed to avoid bias during evaluations.

Judging criteria: The specific standards and guidelines used by judges to evaluate submissions in contests or festivals.

Submission guidelines: The rules and requirements set by a contest or festival outlining how plays should be submitted for consideration.