In connection with Director John Waters visiting College of DuPage in March of 2025, the COD Creative Writing and Theater programs are co-sponsoring a one-act playwriting contest. Waters screened his famous movie "Hairspray" at the McAninch Arts Center on March 16. Important themes include racism and segregation, body positivity and self-acceptance, the power of dance and music as cultural unifiers, rebellion against conformity, empowerment, and activism. Judging preference were given to those submissions that touch on one or more of these themes from the film.

Playwriting Performance and Reception

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, all winning plays were performed in a reader’s theater style event within The COD Library Alcove by COD Theater Program students and directors.