The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award
Supported by VSAarts, the International Organization on Arts and Disability, The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award, named after the founder of VSA, is offered for the outstanding student-written script that explores the human experience of living with a disability (please consult the Americans With Disabilities Act for the full definition of Disability).
- The award recipient will receive a cash award of $2,500.
- Dramatists Guild Award. The Dramatists Guild Award provides the playwright with Active membership in the Guild.
- Professional Development Fellowship. The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival will provide the award recipient with an all-expenses paid professional development opportunity.
VSA is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. VSA is creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Nearly 5 million people with disabilities participate in VSA programs every year through a network of affiliates in 42 states and 51 countries worldwide.
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 the Americans With Disabilities Act and the “Rules and Procedures for the Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards Program” above.
The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award Winners
- 2010
- IN A WORD by Lauren Yee, University of California-San Diego
- 2009
- Have a Heart by Lisa Beth Allen, University of New Orleans
- 2008
- Past Perfect, Future Tense - John-Paul Nickel, Carnegie-Mellon University
- 2007
- Sick - Zayd Dohrn, New York University
- 2006
- Samaritan, Mary Unser, Carnegie Mellon University
- 2nd Place - The Lazarus Syndrome, Bruce Ward, Boston University
- 2005 (co-winners)
- Arts and Science, David Roby, Illinois State University
- The Family Frost, Terry Davis, University of New Mexico
- 2004
- Get Off by Paul McCabe, Ithaca College
- 2003
- Quid Pro Quo by Garrett Zuercher, Marquette University
- 2002
- The Nature of the Nautilus, by Ian Finley, University of Utah
- 2001
- And David Danced by Jonathan Pope Evans, William Carey College
- 2000
- A Simple Autumn, Kevin Schneipp, Viterbo College, La Crosse, Wisconsin
- 1999
- The Great Frozen Man, Jeannine Saunders, Wichita State University, Kansas
