The Performance That Changed Me
Reflect on a live performance that changed your outlook on life. Whether it was a concert, a play, or a dance performance, discuss what about the event was transformative and how it continues to influence your thoughts and actions today.
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Include a counterargument and answer it fairly.
- Cut every sentence that only repeats the one before it.
- Find one surprising fact and build around it.
Writing essays
A mind at work, one subject at a time.
An essay collection gathers short nonfiction pieces: personal, critical, funny or all three. What ties them together is the writer's voice and way of seeing.
What readers expect
- A distinctive voice
- Personal stakes
- Surprising connections
- Pieces that stand alone
A tip before you start
Follow a question, not a thesis. The pleasure of an essay is watching someone think.
More Music, Film and Performing Arts prompts
- A Century of JazzWrite an essay exploring the evolution of a particular music genre over the last century. Highlight key artists, pivotal albums, and how societal…
- The Night of Live MusicDescribe a personal experience attending a live performing arts event (could be a concert, theater production, dance performance, etc.) and the…
- Horror on the Silver ScreenWrite a comparative analysis of the evolution of horror films from the 1960s to the present day. Focus on how societal fears, technological…
- A Night at the TheaterDescribe your most profound live theater experience. Reflect on the performance, the ambiance of the theater, and how the event emotionally and…
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