Eclipse writing sought for evening of performance

Personal, philosophical and cultural musings on the 2017 solar eclipse from around the are are being sought for a contest and evening of spoken word to take place just before the big event this August.
The Stage Company in Carbondale is seeking submissions of written work, poetry and other related work for the reading and performance planned for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at the Varsity Center for the Arts in downtown Carbondale. That's less than three days before the much-anticipated total eclipse of the sun, an event for which Carbondale and Southern Illinois will be a prime viewing location.
Writing can include "whatever style of writing you choose," according to an announcement, including short plays, essays, poetry and spoken word. Topics might include the eclipse's cultural or personal significance, what can be learned from it, its historical context or its spiritual implications.
The maximum length is 10 minutes for poetry or spoken word, or a maximum of 20 minutes for other written work.
Work will be judged in three age categories: under 13 years old, ages 13 to 18, and ages 19 and above. Work will be judged on quality and suitability as a performance piece with an emphasis on creativity and entertainment value. All submissions must be original.
The submission deadline is July 18. Entries must include a name, age, hometown and contact information. Submissions may be sent to stagecompanycarbondale@gmail.com.