American Blues Theatre Announced Recipient Of Blue Ink Award For Playwriting
This year's winner is Nia Akilah Robinson for her play Overnight at the Museum.
American Blues Theater, under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the recipient of the 2026 Blue Ink Award is Nia Akilah Robinson for her play Overnight at the Museum. As part of the award, Robinson receives a $3,000 cash prize and a staged reading at American Blues Theater.
A staged reading of Overnight at the Museum will be presented in August as part of the 2026 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival, along with new work by finalists Benjamin Benne (and thou shalt be healed), and Claire Crowley (The Scouts of America Don't Sell Cookies, B*tch).
Nia Akilah Robinson notes, "My mother and my father created a household for any and all conversations regarding Black history were welcomed, debated, and celebrated. My mother always taught me to dig deeper into Black history, and my father taught me to find (if it was possible) the humor within it. I love museums and galleries, and there's so much more to say about them; To Maboula Soumahoro - thank you for your classroom. This award is a great honor, thank you American Blues Theater."
"We're thrilled to name Nia Akilah Robinson's play Overnight at the Museum as the 2026 Blue Ink Award for playwriting. Nia's essential script about the repatriation of artifacts to Ghana brilliantly balances the poignant and timely theme on a sharp comic edge. We're excited to present the staged reading to Chicago audiences as part of our Blue Ink Playwriting Festival," comments Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside.
About the Blue Ink Award for Playwriting
Established in 2010 to support original, unpublished plays, the Blue Ink Award has grown into a platform for playwrights. Since its inception, the Award has named 16 winners, 197 finalists, and 283 semi-finalists, while distributing nearly $15,000 annually in cash prizes and development support to artists across the country.
Winning plays have gone on to premiere in theater markets including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Diego, with many playwrights receiving further productions, commissions, and national recognition. Notable past recipients include Idris Goodwin, Benjamin Benne, Elaine Romero, and Kristoffer Diaz.
Each year American Blues Theater accepts worldwide submissions of original, unpublished full-length plays. The winning play will be selected by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and the theater's ensemble. The 2026 winning playwright receives a monetary prize of $3,000. Cash prizes are also awarded to finalists and semi-finalists.
Submissions for the 2027 Blue Ink Award open August 1, 2026. All submissions must be received by American Blues Theater by August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm. Playwrights may only submit one (1) manuscript each year for consideration.
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