Do you dare to terrify? Take a shot at writing the very scariest story in all of Kansas City for this year’s Ghost Light performance.

The Kansas City Public Library, in partnership with the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library and Kansas City Repertory Theatre, invites kids ages 10-14 to raise some goosebumps – R.L. Stine-style – for its annual Youth Ghost Story Contest.

What freaks you out? Ghosts? Or maybe that thing you’re sure is under your bed. A persistent tapping at your bedroom window? Give us your best, original, twisted (and imaginative) tale – in prose or poetry.

Submissions open Friday, September 1, and run through Saturday, September 30. Winners will see their stories performed at KC Rep’s third annual Ghost Light: A Haunted Night of Songs and Stories from KC’s Cultural Crossroads in October and featured in videos on the Kansas City Public Library’s youth YouTube channel. Winning and honorable mention stories and videos also will be published on theLibrary website.

Last year’s contest drew more than 100 entries from across the metro area.

2023 Winners