num_pages: 353
description: The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, established in 1978, is awarded annually to a woman who deserves recognition for having written a work of outstanding quality for the English-speaking theater. The prize is administered in Houston, London, and New York by a board of directors who choose six judges each year, three in the United States and three in Britain. The presentation ceremonies, which honor all finalists, are held either in New York, London, or Houston. The endowment currently awards a first prize of $10,000, with Special Commendations of $2,000, and $500 to each remaining finalist. Willem de Kooning, a friend and admirer of Susan, created and signed a limited edition of prints for winners, judges, directors, and major contributors.The endowment receives contributions from Susan's friends and from others who recognize the importance of the prize. Our permanent list of finalists is an important resource for theaters interested in new work. Many playwrights have received productions, grants, and public recognition as a direct result of being included on this list. The prize has helped to motivate women to write for the theater, and it has fostered an interchange of plays between the United States and Britain, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries. The prize has anticipated later recognition. Six finalists have subsequently won the Pulitzer Prize for Margaret Edson, Beth Henley, Marsha Norman, Suzan-Lori Parks, Paula Vogel, and Wendy Wasserstein. The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize is firmly established as a preeminent international playwriting competition.
language: English
title: The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2004: Six Important New Plays by Women from the 25th anniversary Year
titlecomplete: The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2004: Six Important New Plays by Women from the 25th anniversary Year (Contemporary Playwrights)
publisher: Smith & Kraus Pub Inc