Open Box Performance Awards is an online festival founded by multi-award-winning actor, writer and director Michael Obiora.

Dedicated to actors and performance, this is a space for monologues, self-tapes, and performance-based work — without the need for high production.

If you're an actor working on your craft, preparing auditions, or exploring character through performance, this festival is for you.

We are not looking for perfect lighting or expensive equipment.

We are looking for:

- clarity in performance
- strong, specific choices
- presence on camera
- Submissions can be:
- monologues
- self-tapes
- short performance pieces

Simple. Focused. Actor-first.

Submit your work.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 Best Monologue (Overall Winner)
    •    Winner Laurel
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)
    •    Monologue Collection (PDF) by Michael Obiora
    •    Break Free from the Script Coaching Book (PDF)
    •    Complimentary 30-minute 1:1 coaching session

🎭 Best Actor
    •    Winner Laurel
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)
    •    Break Free from the Script Coaching Book (PDF)
    •    20% discount on a 1:1 coaching session

🎭 Best Actress
    •    Winner Laurel
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)
    •    Break Free from the Script Coaching Book (PDF)
    •    20% discount on a 1:1 coaching session

✍️ Best Original Monologue
    •    Winner Laurel
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)
    •    Monologue Collection (PDF)

🎖 Finalists
    •    Finalist Laurel
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)

🎗 Official Selections
    •    Official Selection Laurel

🏅 Michael’s Pick
    •    Special Jury Laurel (“Michael’s Pick”)
    •    Official Certificate (PDF)
    •    Complimentary 45-minute 1:1 coaching session

Rules & Terms

Open Box Performance Awards is an online festival dedicated to monologue performance in a self-tape format.
By submitting, entrants agree to the following:

🎬 Eligibility
    •    Open to actors worldwide
    •    Entrants must be 18+
    •    All experience levels welcome

🎭 Submission Requirements
    •    Monologue length: 30–120 seconds
    •    Solo performance only (one performer on screen)
    •    Self-tape format accepted
    •    Neutral/simple background recommended
    •    Clear audio and visible framing required
    •    English language or English subtitles

✍️ Material
    •    Monologues may be original or from existing texts
    •    Entrants are responsible for ensuring they have the right to perform the material submitted
    •    Original writing is eligible for the “Best Original Monologue” category

🎥 Format
    •    Video submissions only
    •    Standard formats accepted (MP4, MOV, etc.)
    •    Files must be accessible via FilmFreeway or a working online link

📅 Deadlines
    •    Submissions must be received by the stated deadline
    •    Late entries may not be considered

🏆 Judging & Selection
    •    Entries are judged on:
    ◦    Clarity of performance
    ◦    Emotional truth
    ◦    Presence and engagement
    •    Decisions are final

📢 Notifications
    •    Official Selections and Winners will be notified via FilmFreeway
    •    Results will also be announced online

🎟️ Rights & Permissions
    •    Entrants retain full rights to their work
    •    By submitting, entrants grant the festival permission to:
    ◦    Use stills or short excerpts for promotional purposes
    ◦    Credit the performer appropriately

💳 Fees
    •    Submission fees are non-refundable

⚖️ General Terms
    •    The festival reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet the stated requirements
    •    By submitting, entrants agree to all rules and terms listed above