MANSFIELD – The Renaissance Education Department is excited to announce its annual MindSprouts Creative Writing Program, part of the 2025-26 Mechanics Bank Education Series.
Now in its 15th year, this beloved program offers a unique opportunity for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to develop their storytelling skills and see their words come to life on stage.
What is MindSprouts?
MindSprouts is a creative writing contest that encourages young writers to unleash their imagination through short stories, plays, and poems.
Open to all K-12 students in Richland County and surrounding areas, the program provides an exciting platform for students to express their creativity, refine their writing skills, and experience the thrill of having their work performed on stage.
Finalists will be selected by grade band, with age-appropriate focus areas that encourage creativity and thoughtful storytelling.
Selected submissions will be judged, adapted, and showcased at the Renaissance Theatre in a special performance on May 7, 2026, at 7 p.m.
During the 2025-26 academic year, MindSprouts will feature two separate themes tailored to different age groups:
● Grades K-8: “A Big Change” – Students are invited to write an original story, poem, or short play about one moment — big or small — that changes a character, a situation, or the world around them.
This can be a surprising or exciting moment; a first experience (first day, first try, first discovery); or maybe even a small action that leads to something new.
Student writings could include: a choice or action that affects others; a mistake that leads to learning; or even a problem that turns into an opportunity.
● Grades 9-12: “A Moment That Changed Everything” – This theme invites students to explore the power of a single moment. Whether small or life-changing, these moments shape who we are and who we become.
Original student writings can reflect the consequences of a single choice, including: a moral or ethical decision; responsibility, or unintended outcomes; social, historical, or personal turning points; or even a moment whose impact cannot be undone.
“We’re thrilled to announce our 2025-26 MindSprouts themes to inspire students across different age groups,” said Dauphne Maloney, Education Director at the Renaissance.
“These themes, tailored to specific grades, were chosen to spark creativity and encourage students to explore a variety of perspectives in their storytelling.”
How to get involved
● Submit Your Writing: Students may submit one original entry in the form of a short story, play, or poem. Submissions can be made individually or as a group of up to three students.
● Submission Deadline: All entries must be received by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
● Submission Methods:
○ Mail: Dauphne Maloney, Renaissance Performing Arts Education Department, 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio, 44902
○ Email: dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com.
For questions, more information
For more details about the MindSprouts Creative Writing Program, submission guidelines, or any other Renaissance Education programs, contact Education Manager Dauphne Maloney at: dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com, or visit www.rentickets.org.