Fifteen American theatre companies have been chosen to nominate candidates for the National Arts Club's 2000 Kesselring Prize nominations. This year's committee includes three New York companies and theatres from across the country.

Those nominating are:

Manhattan Theatre Club (NYC)
Hartford Stage Company (CT)
The Goodman Theatre (Chicago, IL)
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Chicago, IL)
Long Wharf Theatre (CT)
La Jolla Playhouse (CA)
Actors Theatre of Louisville (KY)
Woolly Mammoth (Washington, DC)
Public Theatre (NYC)
American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco)
Playwrights Horizons (NYC)
Mark Taper Forum, (CA)
Trinity Repertory (Providence, RI)
Illusion Theatre (Minneapolis, MN)
Intiman Theatre (Seattle, WA)

Named for Arsenic and Old Lace playwright, Joseph Kesselring, the Prize was first awarded in 1980 to the playwright who shows the most promise but has not received national recognition. Along with the honor of being named, Kesselring winners also receive a $10,000 cash award. The honorable mention receives $2,500.

1999's Kesselring winner was Heather McDonald for her An Almost Holy Picture. Past winners have included Nicky Silver, Tony Kushner, Anna Deavere Smith, Jose Rivera and Marion McClinton. -- By Christine Ehren