Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021)

The death of Stephen Sondheim just after Thanksgiving brought a groundswell of tributes, remembrances, and stories. Anyone with a passing interest in musical theatre has a story of the way they experienced his work. Obviously, there are many, many fans... and critics... of that work. Yet with all of the tributes to his artistic legacy, we here at the Young Playwrights Guide, will remember Mr. Sondheim most for his encouragement of the newest, and youngest, of creators.

Stephen Sondheim was the founder of a national young playwrights competition that eventually became known as Young Playwrights, Inc. The organization taught youth to craft their own stage plays and frequently produced and published their work until the end of the organization in 2017. The popularity of the national first national competitions in 1981 and 1982 founded a new field of work in the American theatre that continues to grow around the globe.

There's much to say on this topic and I hope to write more about it the weeks to come. In the meantime, here's to you, Mr. Sondheim. Thank you!

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