The Dramatists Guild of America has been named a finalist for the Third Annual Anthem Awards in two categories for publications promoting rights and equity for theatre writers in the entertainment industry. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, with a mission to amplify the voices that spark global change.
“Theatre is by its nature a place of cultural and societal exchange. Theatre writers spend their lives dedicated to shaping our collective consciousness and the lens through which we experience the world,” shares the Dramatists Guild’s Executive Director for Creative Affairs and Membership, Emmanuel Wilson. “And yet, they also often spend their entire careers fighting for the very basics in regard to fair treatment, compensation, ownership of intellectual property, and protection against censorship and cancellation.”
The trade association was recognized as a finalist for two issues of The Dramatist magazine: The Money Issue, covering a range of topics on writers’ compensation and financial literacy (Education, Art & Culture – Special Topics), and The Young Dramatists Issue, which serves as a primer for emerging dramatists seeking to learn more and find words of encouragement on entering the industry (Education, Art & Culture – Book, Story, or Feature).
This year’s finalists include the Dramatists Guild of America, American Theatre Wing, ACLU, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift on National Voter Registration Day, World Wildlife Fund, Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Clinton Foundation, NAACP, Al Pacino and Project Everyone, GLAAD, Vote.org+, amongst others.
“It is incredible to be recognized for these two paramount publications promoting literacy and visibility for the vast inequities we tirelessly advocate against every day,” adds the DG’s Director of Outreach & Institutional Partnerships, Jordan Stovall. “I have seen their impact firsthand. From the moment they reach a writer’s hands, they send a clear message: you deserve to be taken seriously; stand up for what you deserve and protect the stories you have to share with the world.”
“As the only publication by and for theatre writers, every issue of The Dramatist is revolutionary. The Money Issue and Young Dramatists Issue are particularly groundbreaking in that they were specifically created to dissolve barriers that dramatists face regarding the gatekeeping of industry knowledge and the business behind theatre writing,” notes DG’s Director of Publications and editor of The Dramatist, Amelia French. “We hope these issues of The Dramatist are steps toward a more equitable future for all theatre writers.”
Winners for the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024. Finalists can be celebrated online from December 5th to December 21st at Celebrate.Anthemawards.com.
As the professional trade association for playwrights, librettists, lyricists, and composers, the Dramatists Guild of America works to protect and advance the rights of all theatre writers across the country. With over 10,000 members around the world, the Guild is guided by a governing council of writers who each give their time, interest, and support to advance the rights of dramatists everywhere, including the right for dramatists to own and control their own copyrighted work. The Guild’s advocacy, programs, events, publications, and other services provide dramatists with the resources, the community, and the support they require to protect their property, their livelihoods, and their unique voices in the American theatre.
The Dramatist is a magazine for theatre writers published by the Dramatists Guild, the professional organization of playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists. Our magazine is the only national publication devoted to the business and craft of writing for theatre, beginning in Spring 1964 as The Dramatists Guild Quarterly.
Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.