June 26, 2025, Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Little Theatre’s 84th Annual National One-Act Playwriting Competition received 68 entries from across the country. The winners join a long list of Canadian literary luminaries including Robertson Davies, John Murrell, Erika Ritter, Catherine Banks and Ken Mitchell.

First prize, Ottawa Little Theatre Award:

Valley of Lost Yesterdays by Raymond Holmes (Barrie, ON)

Adjudicator’s comments for Valley of Lost Yesterdays:

  • “A Canadian tour de force. Succeeds in blending the nostalgic memories of youth with the darker history of our nation at war.”
  • “Thought provoking and timely.”

Second prize, Dorothy White Award:

Somebody Anybody by Rosaleen Egan (Alliston, ON)

Adjudicator’s comments for Somebody Anybody:

  • “…very well written, believable, and provocative, as it explored the importance of not dehumanizing the homeless through the lens of good investigative and compassionate journalism.  Two important themes intertwined to illustrate and promote that ideal, by pushing a journalist to explore and tell the story of one homeless man.  An ambitious goal, beautifully achieved.”
  • “…Interesting dialogue and clever staging potential.”

Third prize, The Gladys Cameron Watt Award (sponsored by the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women):

The Committee by Daphne Finlayson (Winnipeg, MB)

Adjudicator’s comments for The Committee:

  • “Two people in Purgatory, exploring Christianity’s edicts with thoughtfulness and humour.  Why is suicide always a sin – shouldn’t the reason be considered?  How are decisions made about right versus wrong, heaven versus hell?  Should sins be ranked in order of seriousness?  Why can’t atheists be considered good people?”
  • “An interesting and inventive theme – a very well written and absolutely fascinating play.”

Sybil Cooke Award to an outstanding play “for Children or Young People”:

For the Better by Camheron Mulhern (Burlington, ON)

Adjudicator’s comments for For the Better:

  • “An engaging script with thought provoking ideas.”
  • “A fresh perspective that leaves a lasting impression.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bob Hicks, OLT
613-862-1024
bobhix@hixinsite.com

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About the Competition

The competition is open to original one-act plays in English, encouraging literary and dramatic talent in Canada. Plays written for any age group, including children and young people, are welcome. The play must be previously unproduced or have been produced no earlier than in the entry year. The playwrights are unknown to the adjudicators, with all the plays submitted  anonymously.

Plays are generally accepted into the competition from May until December. After the submission deadline, all received plays are distributed to adjudicators, all of whom have a long history with the OLT. Each entry is read by two adjudicators who identify three finalists among the entries they have read. Each of the finalists is then read and evaluated by all the adjudicators. The winners are selected during a group discussion following the completion of the reading.