The Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards

The Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards, established in 2014 by Premiere Stages supporters W. John Bauer and Nancy Boucher, recognize the work of one Kean student and one Kean alumnus each year. The Bauer Boucher Awards support Kean University writers with enhanced visibility, dramaturgical feedback, a cash award, and the opportunity to hear their plays read out loud by an ensemble of professional actors.

Premiere Stages accepts submissions for the Bauer Boucher each fall from any writers who are currently attending or have graduated from Kean University, and the Award-winning play is selected in January. After the submission window closes in December, the submissions are read by Premiere Stages staff and a select panel of playwrights, theatre professionals, and educators. One current student will receive a $1000 award and one alumnus will receive a $2000 award; both will receive one-day developmental readings of their new plays with professional casts and directors.  Additional playwrights may be selected as finalists and awarded $100.  Premiere Stages may decide to choose multiple winners for the student and/or alumni award and divide the award amount between them as well as present all winning plays.