2026 Light the TORCH

TORCH (VA) · Nov 21, 2026

Closed 11:43 PM Eastern

Script Submission

Light the TORCH • 2026

Script Submission Guidelines

Follow the steps below to prepare, submit, and track your script through final approval.

Script Submission Deadline

November 7, 2026 · 11:59 PM Eastern

Scripts are required for Original Oratory, Expository, Literary Interpretation, Open Interpretation, and Slam Poetry.

Important Dates & Deadlines

All times are Eastern.

Submissions Open
October 12, 2026 · 8:00 AM
Submission Deadline
November 7, 2026 · 11:59 PM
Corrections Deadline
November 14, 2026 · 11:59 PM

Important Reminders

  • A $25 late payment fee applies to late payments.
  • Complete all script corrections and resubmissions by November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern to avoid being dropped from the event.
  • Do not delete your original submission when making corrections.

1. Who Needs to Submit a Script?

Competitors in the following events must submit a script for approval:

  • Original Oratory
  • Expository
  • Literary Interpretation (LI)
  • Open Interpretation (OI)
  • Slam Poetry
Wildcard Storytelling

Register your storytelling details in the Script Compliance Tool by November 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Refer to the Storytelling tab for additional information.

2. Before You Submit

Prepare your script according to the official Stoa requirements.

Step 1 — Review the Rules

Read the 2026–2027 Stoa Rulebook for the requirements specific to your event.

Step 2 — Check Your Script

Run your script through the Script Compliance Tool before submitting.

The tool can identify potential errors and provide feedback, but some warnings may be false positives. Human reviewers make all final compliance decisions.

Step 3 — Watch the Tutorial (Optional)

New to script submission? Watch the Script Preparation Tutorial for step-by-step guidance.

3. Prepare Your Submission

Include the following documents, as required for your event:

  • Signed Script Submission Form — Complete the form for your event and include your coach’s approval signature.
  • Typed Speech Script — Include the most current version of your speech.
  • Works Cited Page — Include if required for your event.
  • Highlighted Original Source Text — Include any added words, if applicable.

Download the 2026–2027 Script Submission Forms →

Combine Everything into One PDF

Merge your completed submission form and supporting materials into one PDF file, in the order required by your event’s guidelines.

Name Your File Clearly

Use this format:

Last Name, First Name, Event.pdf

Examples:

  • Bell, Taco, OI.pdf
  • Bulwer-Lytton, Edward, LI.pdf
  • Bunny, Bugs and Fudd, Elmer, Duo.pdf

Avoid random characters or generic filenames. The filename must identify the competitor and event.

4. Upload Your Script

  1. Scroll to the Script Submission section below.
  2. Locate the Actions menu.
  3. Upload your correctly named, combined PDF.
  4. Monitor your submission status and respond promptly to reviewer requests.

Experienced submitters may proceed directly to the upload section after checking their scripts with the Compliance Tool.

Uploading your script does not mean it has been approved. Continue monitoring your submission until you receive final approval.

5. Script Corrections & Resubmissions

If a reviewer requests corrections:

  1. Check your email. A notification will be sent to the parent account.
  2. Read the reviewer’s comments. Log in to your account to review the requested changes.
  3. Revise your script. Make all necessary corrections and prepare an updated PDF.
  4. Upload the corrected version. Scroll past the original upload area to Script Submission Revisions.
  5. Confirm your status. Monitor your account for final approval.

Do Not Delete Your Original Submission

Upload corrected scripts only through the Script Submission Revisions section. This is especially important after the initial submission deadline.

Final corrections deadline: November 14, 2026 · 11:59 PM Eastern

6. Helpful Resources & Tutorials

Official Stoa Resources

PDF Tools

Merge & organize PDFs
PDFsam Basic  ·  Smallpdf  ·  Soda PDF

Scan documents
CamScanner  ·  NAPS2

Reduce PDF file size
Smallpdf Compressor  ·  Compress2Go

Research & Citation Tools

Questions or Need Assistance?

Our tournament team is happy to help with script preparation, submissions, and corrections.

torchtournaments@gmail.com

Please include your competitor’s name, speech event, and a brief description of your question.

Ready to Submit?

Check your documents, combine them into one PDF, and confirm your filename.

Continue to the Script Submission section below ↓

Upload Scripts

Script Revision Submissions

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