Playwrights Ken Ludwig and Dominique Morisseau, as well as the songwriting team of Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen will be honored at the second annual Samuel French Awards October 16 in New York City.

The writers, all of whom are represented by the licensing and publishing company, are recognized for “the great work and unparalleled passion of theatre … [and] their significant contributions to the industry.”

Ludwig (Crazy for You, Lend Me a Tenor) will be presented with the Sustained Excellence in American Theatre, which is “bestowed upon a Samuel French playwright, composer, or lyricist whose body of work has been successfully produced across the nation, at both amateur and professional levels.” McCarter Theatre Center Artistic Director Emily Mann will present the honor.

Morisseau (Pipeline, Skeleton Crew, Detroit '67) will be presented with the Award for Impact & Activism in the Theatre Community, “given to an individual or creative team who has significantly impacted the theatre community over the past year through their activism.” Kamilah Forbes, executive producer of the Apollo Theater, will present the honor.

Miller and Tysen (Tuck Everlasting, Burnt Part Boys) will receive the Next Step Award, which supports “a playwright, composer, or lyricist working toward the next step of their career. Honorees have demonstrated a strong energy and talent in their career thus far.” Tony-winning Fun Home composer Jeanine Tesori will present the honor.

Miller and Tysen’s award includes a monetary prize that supports a current or unfinished project.

Ludwig and Morriseau’s honors allow them to select a theatre or program to which Samuel French makes a donation on their behalf. Ludwig selected the McCarter Theatre Center, and Morisseau selected Detroit Public Theatre.

Visit SamuelFrench.com.

View highlights from Tuck Everlasting below: