New Dramatists will honor theatrical licensor Music Theatre International with their 2026 Konecky Award at their annual spring luncheon, set for May 26. As previously announced, the event is being given in honor of Wicked songwriter Stephen Schwartz.
The honor recognizes members of the theatre and entertainment industry who serve the field with passion, dedication, excellence, and leadership, with its namesake belonging to New Dramatists Board President Isobel Konecky and her husband, entertainment attorney Ron Konecky.
“Music Theatre International is deeply invested in the history and vitality of musical theatre and the artists who shape it,” says New Dramatists Executive Director Christie Brown in a statement. “Equally, their commitment to educational theatre and greater arts accessibility, emphasizes their dedication to the performing arts as an essential right for all.”
“Where would theatre be without dramatists, and how could it thrive without New Dramatists,” adds MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen. “We are delighted to receive this honor and join the previous recipients of the Konecky Award. On a personal note, this award is especially meaningful, as Isobel and Ron were both incredibly supportive of me in the early days of my career and taught me, by example, the importance of mentorship.”
Founded in 1952 by Guys and Dolls songwriter Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, Music Theatre International helps control licensing rights for a number of works aat stock, amateur, educational, and professional theatres. Their illustrious catalogue includes the musicals of Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and many more. Their Broadway Junior collection, which adapts Broadway musicals for performance by young actors, has had a particular impact on the industry, dramatically widening the reach of some of musical theatre’s most loved titles.
Founded in 1949, New Dramatists is rooted in the vision of writers banding together to develop their work, share resources, and expand their role in the contemporary American theatre. Alumni include Robert Anderson, Annie Baker, Kia Corthron, Nilo Cruz, Lonne Elder III, Horton Foote, Richard Foreman, Maria Irene Fornes, Melissa James Gibson, David Greenspan, John Guare, Quiara Alegría Hudes, William Inge, David Lindsay-Abaire, Eduardo Machado, Taylor Mac, Donald Margulies, Joe Masteroff, Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Lynn Nottage, Suzan-Lori Parks, Sarah Ruhl, John Patrick Shanley, Mac Wellman, August Wilson, Lanford Wilson, Paula Vogel, Doug Wright, Chay Yew, and more.
For tickets and additional information on the upcoming luncheon, visit NewDramatists.org/luncheon or contact DJ Brumfield at [email protected].