The NSW Premier will announce the 2025 winner very soon
THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATRE, PLUS THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC VOTE!
WATCH THE SUCCESSFUL 2025 EVENT
The videos of the three plays plus a full video of the event are on the 2025 page of the website. Students participated by watching the three videos of the plays through our website.
The 2026 event will be held on Friday 14th August 2026. To register your Expression of Interest for 2026 please email us at: hello@lysicratesfoundation.org.au with your school details and the number of students that will be viewing the videos.
THEATRE FOR ALL
WHAT IS THE MARTIN-LYSICRATES PRIZE?
Three new short plays specially written for 11 to 14 year olds compete for the kids’ votes. No sets, few costumes, no frills. Just brilliant actors reading from the original scripts, survivors of a tough selection process. Huge demands made on the kids’ imagination.
THE KIDS’ CHOICE!
Kids rule OK! The Martin-Lysicrates Prize winner is chosen not by a panel of grown-ups, or an adult expert, but by the votes of the kids themselves.
Three finalists – new short Australian plays specially written for 11- to 14- year-olds. No elaborate sets or costumes. Just brilliant actors reading from the original scripts. So kids have to use their imaginations. They watch the three plays. They shout, laugh, stamp their feet, wave their arms. They make up their own minds which play should win the $15,000 Martin-Lysicrates Prize.
If they’re watching in the theatre, they then file out and cast their first ever democratic vote.
If they’re watching the event in their classroom, the teacher counts the votes and emails them - they are still part of the overall vote.
If they watch the recording , at the end their teachers email their votes and they are still part of the overall vote!
Theatre + democracy + empowerment + fun = Magic!
Then they go off and write their own plays. Or poems. Or stories.
And there’s a fabulous teacher’s kit to help teachers prepare for the event.
(And it’s all free).
Teachers - Please note!
The Martin Lysicrates Prize Event participation is completely free. Each year we encourage teachers to rally a group of students together and participate and vote for the best play. It's a great experience involving drama, democracy, and fun!
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE HISTORYOF THE LYSICRATES FOUNDATION
Find out about the origin and inspiration behind the annual playwriting competition Lysicrates Prize.
