The New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest, a project of Merit Theater and Film Group, Inc., was developed by Sandra Nordgren in 2003 to bring works of social significance to the general public, works that might not otherwise have the opportunity to be presented. 

 

MISSION STATEMENT CRITERIA

New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest accepts and encourages exciting new works that:
1) Enhance self-realization
2) Support peace and social justice
3) Foster new understanding of minority issues that focus on racial, ethnic and gender discrimination both in the United States and abroad
4) Empower youth to build healthy inner foundations
5) Educate to gain further insight into healthy social/emotional living
6) Shed new light on religious, spiritual, and cultural differences and issues
7) Build respect for cultural expression and identity in a world that is experiencing rapid globalization
8) Explore the widening gap between the values this country was founded on and the values we present to the world today

** While recognizing the obvious intentions in the categories above, examples of the following premises should be applied to all the categories as well:
...A play about the hardships and horrors of war IS a play that supports peace.
...A play that exposes social injustice, without the intent of making a statement FOR social justice, IS a play that supports social justice.

We, as writers, have been given a precious gift. Let us use that gift to create powerful, heart-felt new works that not only entertain, but also educate, enlighten and uplift humanity.  

SCRIPT EVALUATING PROCESS

Script evaluators include published and produced writers, theatrical producers, artistic directors, individuals in the Graduate and Masters Theatre Programs of universities including New York University and NYC’s New School.

Each script will receive up to four evaluations before three or more finalists are selected.

Sandra Nordgren, Artistic Director of Merit Theater and Film Group, oversees all script evaluations.

Click on the header "Sample Evaluation" for comments from playwright's regarding the Evaluations they received from us.  We have also put a Sample Evaluation there so you may see the kind of evaluations we send to playwrights.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS / THANK YOU

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals and companies for acknowledging the merit of this contest and for helping defray its costs.


Grants:
The Puffin Foundation

Corporate Sponsorship:
Mail Boxes, Etc. 13th Street & Sixth Avenue, NYC
13th Street Repertory Company

Thank You:

Jeffrey Belanger,  Mel Coleman,  Martin Denton,  Marla Dumont,   Jerry Lieblich,  Irving Laurice Mintz,  Dylan Mulick,  Stephanie Nathan,  Edith O’Hara,  Bob Ost,  June Rachelson-Ospa,  Philip Radameyer,  Marguerite Spellman,  Kim Stephenson,  Becky Sweren,  Maria Vasil,  Joanna Zelman