American Theatre Wing Awards 5 Rising Musical Theatre Writers With 2019 Jonathan Larson Grants

The American Theatre Wing announced the recipients of its four 2019 Jonathan Larson Grants, given to emerging musical theatre writers (composers, lyricists, and/or book writers) in support of their continued development and craft honing. In addition to the four grants of $10,000 each, the recipients will also see additional support through residencies, concerts, and recording grants.

This year's recognized artists are the team of Julia Gytri and Avi Amon (Salonika), Emily Gardner Xu Hall (Untitled Cherry Orchard Musical), Andy Roninson (the musical podcast Take a Ten), and Ben Wexler (Washington Square). They were chosen by a panel consisting of producer Alia Jones-Harvey and music directors Annastasia Victory and Jason Michael Webb.

A private presentation of the grants, featuring special performances of the recipients' work, will take place March 19 at WNYC Greene Space.

"The young artists we have selected this year represent the next generation of theater makers, helping to shape our cultural dialogue for years to come," said ATW President and CEO Heather Hitchens in a statement, adding, "These Jonathan Larson Grants demonstrate our serious commitment to developing and nurturing courageous, bold new voices in the industry."

READ: Inside the American Theatre Wing’s Education Pipeline

Past recipients of the grant include Oscar and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), Amanda Green (Hands on a Hardbody), Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal), Shaina Taub (The Devil Wears Prada), Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), Matt Gould (Lempicka), Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), and Max Vernon (The View UpStairs).