The Nathan Will
With his preamble "it is my object and desire to encourage and assist in developing the art of drama criticism and the stimulation of intelligent playgoing," the late George Jean Nathan provided in his will for a prize known as the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism. The prize consists of the annual net income of half of Mr. Nathan's estate, which "shall be paid to the American who has written the best piece of drama criticism during the theatrical year (July 1 to June 30), whether it is an article, an essay, treatise or book."
The Prize
The trust is of such size that the prize is the richest and one of the most distinguished in the American theatre. The annual award now amounts to $10,000. In addition, the winner receives a trophy symbolic of, and attesting to, the award.