Recommended by Anne G. Morgan

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Nick Mecikalski and their play Really Really Gorgeous as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers really responded to the wonderfully creepy world, and how the music and creative theatrical devices stunningly contribute to that landscape.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Owen Panettieri and their play Whatever the Weather as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers were struck by the play’s character-driven approach to complex, important issues.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Ian Finley and their play And There Was War in Heaven as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers were struck by the play’s morally complex characters and vividly crafted world.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Daniel Pearle and their play You Freefall as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers responded to the sharp, engaging dialogue and deep investigation of mental illness and intergenerational connections.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Jennifer Barclay and their play Ripe Frenzy as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers responded especially to the play's inventive theatrical devices, interplay with Wilder’s OUR TOWN, and flawed, complex characters.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Matt Schatz and their play An Untitled Play By Justin Timberlake as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers were struck by how the play’s satire of new play development serves as a larger metaphor for celebrity worship.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Abbey Fenbert and their play CHILD as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers responded to the inventive, dark tone and the multi-dimensional exploration of adoption and human connection.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Bennett Fisher and their play Damascus as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers were struck by the gripping, fast-paced plot and unique approach to national conversations about terrorism, race, and politics.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Caridad Svich and their play Town Hall as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers especially responded to how this non-linear piece physically explores deeply political moments and broader human questions of what it means to be in this space together.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Whitney Rowland and their play WAYFINDING as a finalist for our 2017 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 55 finalists out of more than 1,300 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers responded to the play’s delicate, melancholic tone and understated approach to the interconnectedness of the human experience.