New Dramatists has announced that Music Theatre International (MTI) will be the 2026 recipient of its annual Konecky Award. MTI is a leading global theatrical licensing agency, founded in 1952. The prize will be presented on May 26 at the organization’s annual spring luncheon, which will recognize the achievements of Tony Award-honored composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
Named for New Dramatists’ former board president, Isobel Konecky, and her husband, entertainment attorney Ron Konecky, the Konecky Award honors those in the theater and entertainment industry who serve the field with passion, dedication, excellence and leadership. “Music Theatre International is deeply invested in the history and vitality of musical theater and the artists who shape it,” said New Dramatists’ executive director Christie Brown in a statement. “Their commitment to educational theater and greater arts accessibility emphasizes their dedication to the performing arts as an essential right for all.”
“We are delighted to receive this honor and join the previous recipients of the Konecky Award,” said MTI president Drew Cohen. “On a personal note, this award is especially meaningful, as Isobel and Ron were both incredibly supportive of me in the early days of my career and taught me, by example, the importance of mentorship.”
Co-founded by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI works with more than 100,000 theater groups worldwide, according to its website. In collaboration with musical theater creators, the organization has also developed a library of 30- to 60-minute versions of their works for use by elementary and middle school students. In 2012, former MTI president Freddie Gershon received a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre for his efforts in developing the program. More recently, MTI has begun to collaborate with its creators to develop versions of titles for senior citizens.
Other recent recipients of the Konecky Award, which was established in 2024, include the Shubert Organization and Concord Theatricals.
Founded in 1949, New Dramatists is the recipient of a 2001 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre for its dedication to nurturing new playwrights. Brown serves as the organization’s executive director.
