The Richard Rodgers Awards were created and endowed in 1978 by composer and member Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) for the development of new works of musical theater. These awards support readings and productions of musicals by emerging composers and writers at nonprofit theaters in New York City. The winners are selected by a jury of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Previous recipients include Jonathan Larson for Rent; Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley for Violet; Anaïs Mitchell for Hadestown; Jason Kim, Helen Park, Max Vernon, and Woodshed Collective for KPOP; and Will Aronson and Hue Park for Maybe Happy Ending.
All applications for the Richard Rodgers Awards must be submitted online by October 31, 2025.
Application requirements and procedures are explained in the form below. Please download, read, and sign the form before beginning the online application.