The Judith Royer Award for Excellence in Playwriting is named in honor of Dr. Royer for her dedication to the development of new plays throughout her distinguished career. Dr. Royer is a producer, director and dramaturg with new play development programs sponsored by the NEA, Playwrights Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Theatre Gallery. She established the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival’s playwriting program and is a founding member of ATHE. The Royer Award honors a new play marked by sophisticated and nuanced dramatic storytelling, compelling content, and the potential to make a major artistic impact on contemporary theatre. This year’s award winner is:

Franky D. Gonzalez
Even Flowers Bloom in Hell, Sometimes

Franky D. Gonzalez is a playwright and TV writer (13 Reasons Why) splitting time between Dallas and Los Angeles. His work has been seen across the country in theatres and play development centers. Most recently, Franky was named the 4 Seasons Resident Playwright and a Core Writer for the Playwright’s Center.
 

Acceptance Speech

The committee is also delighted to recognize the following playwrights for their outstanding work:

RUNNER UP

Yu-Li Alice Shen, Image May Contain

Yu-Li Alice Shen is a playwright, actor, and college English instructor. In her spare time, she plays ukulele and co-hosts the humor/improv podcast, Going Terribly.

FINALISTS

• Claudia Barnett, Theodosia Redux
• Diana Burbano, Sapience
• Jacqueline Goldfinger, Queen of the Goths
• Audrey Lang, You Have to Promise
• Steve Romagnoli, In the Boat
• Lia Romeo, The Forest
• Marcus Scott, Sibling Rivalries
• Caity-Shea Violette, Rx Machina
• Mallory Weiss, Pony Up

ATHE offers special thanks to the Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting award subcommittee for their work this cycle.