One act play competition at High School, Higher Secondary School and College level (Konkani, Marathi & English) is a cultural scheme run by the Department of Art, Culture and Museums, Government of Goa through Kala Academy. It gives students a competitive stage to perform theatre, build confidence and win cash prizes along with travel support. Kala Academy Goa organizes this competition in Konkani, Marathi and English at High School and Higher Secondary School/College level at the Kala Academy Complex or any suitable venue.
Entries are invited every year through a press note, and all government recognized schools and colleges in Goa can take part. The 2026-27 competition follows the same rules and prize structure, with cash awards for best performance, direction, acting and technical work. Participating institutions also get rental charges for one vehicle to carry their stage material and artists.
One act play competition at High School, Higher Secondary School and College level - Konkani, Marathi and English - Introduction
The scheme is made to develop the personality of students through the creative world of theatre. A professional stage helps students build confidence and stage presence. Participation is open to all government recognized educational institutions across Goa. When a school or college joins, it gets a platform for performance plus transport reimbursement as per government norms.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | One act play competition at High School, Higher Secondary School and College level (Konkani, Marathi & English) |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment, Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiary | Individuals |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department (Kala Academy) |
| Official Website | artandculture.goa.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme rewards the hard work of students with cash prizes at both High School and Higher Secondary School/College level. Prizes are given for best performance, best director, best actor and actress, best playwright and technical work such as setting, costume, make-up, lighting and background music. The prize amounts for the 2026-27 competition are given below.
| Category | High School | Higher Secondary/College |
|---|---|---|
| Best Performance - First Prize | ₹7,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Best Performance - Second Prize | ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Best Performance - Third Prize | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Consolation Prize (if more than 10 entries) | ₹2,000 each | ₹3,000 each |
| Best Actor/Actress - First Prize | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Best Actor/Actress - Second Prize | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Best Director - First Prize | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Best Playwright - First Prize | ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Best Setting/Costume/Make-up/Lighting/Background Music | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
Technical experts also get rewards. For example, a student acting as stage manager for a college can win ₹2,000 for the best stage setting if the team performs well. Kala Academy provides the facility of lights, sound system, stage with front and back drop and other material free of charge, subject to availability. A participating institution is also paid the rental charges of one vehicle at the rate fixed per kilometre as per Kala Academy rules.
Eligibility
Eligibility is simple. Any government recognized High School, Higher Secondary School or College located in Goa can apply to participate. Only bonafide students of the respective institution are allowed to enact the plays. Each institution can present a maximum of three one act plays, one in each language (Konkani, Marathi and English). The competition is held only when at least 5 schools and 5 Higher Secondary Schools/Colleges take part in each language.
Application Process
Schools and colleges that want to take part should follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Keep an eye on local newspapers and the Kala Academy website for the official press note inviting entries for the competition. The press note gives the last date for receipt of entries.
STEP 2 - Obtain the prescribed entry form from the press note or the Kala Academy office. Fill in all details carefully, including the name of the institution, contact details, name of the incharge teacher and the name of the one act play in each language.
STEP 3 - Pay the entry fee of ₹100 per one act play. The amount is not refunded even if the application is rejected.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application along with the required documents to the Member Secretary, Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa within the announced deadline. Incomplete and late entries are not entertained.
If a play entered in the entry form is withdrawn without the permission of Kala Academy, the institution is debarred from the competition for the next three years. Once the entry is submitted, the name of the one act play can be changed within 5 days from the last date for receipt of entries.
Documents
The following documents and details are needed while applying:
- A duly filled and signed official entry form, with the name of the institution, the play, the playwright and the incharge teacher.
- Details of the artists, director and technicians with their full names and roles, submitted in the prescribed format at least one hour before the performance.
- Four copies of the detailed information sheet and a copy of the script of the one act play on the day of performance.
References
View Official Guidelines [Page No. 4]
View Official Press Note Inviting Entries
FAQ's
Which institutions can join this competition?
All government recognized High Schools, Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges in Goa are eligible to participate.
Are there different language categories?
Yes, plays can be performed in Konkani, Marathi or English, and each institution can present one play in each language.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, an entry fee of ₹100 is charged per one act play to cover administrative costs. The fee is not refunded even if the application is rejected.
Do institutions get help with transportation?
Yes, the scheme provides rental charges for one vehicle at the rate fixed per kilometre as per Kala Academy rules, to help carry stage materials and artists.
How does the consolation prize work?
If more than ten entries are received in a specific section, two consolation prizes are awarded to deserving participants.