WSO Theatre and Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 26 February 2026      Festival end: 01 March 2026

WSO Theatre & Film Festival is a four-day celebration of theatre and film based in the Midlands of South Carolina, uniting artists, audiences, and industry professionals from across the state and beyond. Produced by WOW Studio One, a woman-led theatre, television, and film company, the festival provides a platform for diverse voices and authentic stories through film screenings, staged productions, workshops, master classes, networking events, pitch sessions, audition opportunities, and a red-carpet awards gala.

Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower by giving both emerging and established artists the chance to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and gain tools to further their creative careers. With opportunities to pitch projects, audition for future productions, and network with decision-makers, the festival goes beyond exhibition to create direct pathways for professional growth. We are committed to accessibility, offering affordable entry and programming that bridges rural and urban communities while positioning Columbia and the Midlands as a cultural hub for the Southeast.

Whether you are a filmmaker, playwright, actor, or creative visionary, the WSO Theatre & Film Festival is more than an event—it’s a statewide movement of collaboration, inspiration, and affirmation. Join us in Columbia, SC, for a transformative weekend where stories take center stage and new opportunities are born.

Awards & Prizes

The Vision Awards – Presented at the Red Carpet Ceremony

CASH PRIZES FOR:
- Best Short Play
- Best One-Act Play
- Best Staged Reading
- Best Short Films
- Best Episodic or Feature (pilot or single episode)
- Best Trailer

AWARDS:
- Best Director - Film
- Best Director - Theatre
- Best Actor - Film
- Best Actor - Theatre
- Best Actress - Film
- Best Actress - Theatre
- Best Screenwriter
- Best Playwright
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editor
- Best Original Score or Composer

We champion purpose-driven, thought-provoking, and culturally resonant work that reflects the diversity and excellence of today’s creative voices.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES & TIME LIMITS

- Short Plays: Up to 15 minutes
- One-Act Plays: Up to 30 minutes
- Staged Readings: Up to 30 minutes
- Short Films: Up to 16 minutes**NEW TIME LIMIT
- Episodic/Feature Content: Up to 45 minutes (pilot or single episode)***NEW OPTION
- Trailers: Up to 3 minutes

GENERAL RULES

LANGUAGE:

All films must be submitted in English or include English subtitles.

COMPLETION DATE:

Eligible works must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021.

RIGHTS & CLEARANCES:

Filmmakers and producers are responsible for securing all rights and permissions for copyrighted materials, including music, footage, and imagery.

SCREENING & EXHIBITION RIGHTS:

By submitting, you grant WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival (WSOTFF) permission to exhibit your work publicly during the festival—either before a live audience or, under special circumstances, in online or hybrid formats.

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS & AWARDS:

- Not all nominated submissions will be screened publicly, but all remain eligible for awards.

- Selected works will be notified by email and featured on the festival’s website and social media platforms.

- Premiere status (those who are nominated for an award) are encouraged to attend but not required.

SUBMISSION DELIVERY:

- All entries must be provided as password-protected screening links or downloadable files.

- Incomplete, broken, or inaccessible links will result in disqualification.

- Technical issues are the sole responsibility of the submitter; refunds will not be issued.

FESTIVAL CHANGES:

WSOTFF reserves the right to change festival dates, venues, or format (live, virtual, or hybrid) when necessary, with timely notice to participants.

MARKETING CONSENT:

By submitting, you consent to receive festival-related communications and marketing updates from WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival.

TECHNICAL & PRODUCTION GUIDELINES:

- Each accepted theatre production will be allotted a tech rehearsal slot.

- Productions must provide tracked music with all copyrights properly cleared.

- Due to time constraints, walls and major set constructions are not permitted, though generic set pieces will be provided (see list below).

- Performance locations and scheduling are at the discretion of festival management.

- Producers are encouraged to actively promote their showcase through social media and community outreach.

SET PIECES & PROPS POLICY

WSOTFF will provide the set pieces listed below (the “Provided Set Pieces”) for use during rehearsals and performances. These items will be available on a shared-use basis and must remain in their designated locations unless otherwise authorized in writing by Festival Management.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDITIONAL PROPS

Each participating production is solely responsible for supplying, transporting, and removing any additional props, set dressings, or furnishings not included in the Provided Set Pieces. WSOTFF shall not be liable for the storage, loss, or damage of any personal or production-supplied items.

CONDITION & CARE

All Provided Set Pieces must be used with reasonable care. Participating productions shall be responsible for any damage resulting from misuse, negligence, or unauthorized modification.

ALTERATIONS & REMOVALS

No Provided Set Piece may be altered, painted, reupholstered, or removed from the performance venue without prior written approval from Festival Management.

PROVIDED SET PIECES LISTED BELOW:

LIVING ROOM SET
– Couch or love seat
– Coffee table
– End tables
PARK SET / STREET CORNER
– Park bench
– Tree
– Light post
OFFICE SET
– Desk
– Chair
CAFÉ / KITCHEN SET
– Table and chairs
– Small counter
– Computer register
CHURCH SET
– Chairs for pews
– Podium

QUESTIONS & SUPPORT:
For additional information or inquiries, please contact: info@wowstudioone.com OR call 803.545.4256