Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Inc

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize is the largest and oldest international playwriting award for women+. Presented annually, it recognizes women+ who have written works of outstanding quality for the English-speaking theatre, regardless of where they reside. The permanent list of Finalists, now totaling over 490, has become an important international resource for theatres seeking new work. As a direct result of being named Finalists, many playwrights have received productions, grants, and wider recognition. The Prize has inspired women+ to write for the stage and fostered the exchange of plays across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries. Many Finalist plays have gone on to win major honors, including Olivier, Lilly, Evening Standard, and Tony Awards. Eleven have subsequently received the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.