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2026 Lord Denney’s Players Sonnet Contest

January 14, 2026

2026 Lord Denney’s Players Sonnet Contest

A logo that says LDP

Calling all poets!  

Lord Denney’s Players, the Department of English and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies are excited to announce the 2026 Lord Denney’s Players Sonnet Contest! 

Submissions of individual Shakespearean sonnets are welcome from Ohio State undergraduate students from all colleges, campuses and majors. Submissions are limited to one per student and must be written without the assistance of Generative AI.

The deadline for submission is Friday, March 13. Winners will be announced by the Department of English in mid-April. This year's contest will be judged by Professor Marcus Jackson. Winning entries will be published on the English Department's webpage. Winning sonnets earn $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for honorable mention. 

Find the submission form here.

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