THE MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR COMIC PLAYWRITING

The Mark Twain Prize for Comic Playwriting will be offered for the outstanding student-written full-length comic play. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens - the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist also known as Mark Twain - was a fearless observer of society, who outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly.

* 1st Place Cash Award of $2,500.

* Professional Development Fellowship.  The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival will provide the award recipient with an all-expenses paid professional development opportunity. 

* 2nd Place Award of $1,500.

* Dramatists Guild Award.  The Dramatists Guild Award provides the playwrights with Active membership in the Guild.

* Grants of $750 and $500 will be made to the producing organizations of the first and second place prize recipients, respectively.

The play must be produced by a college or university or publicly presented in a “rehearsed” or “staged reading” format following a significant development process.  The must comply with the guidelines for scripts entered in the KCACTF Michael Kanin Playwriting Program.

For other questions, refer to “Rules and Procedures for the Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards Program” above.