Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting

Janet Riley, long-time theatre patron, former board member and past president of the Friends of the Theatre organization, and emeritus staff member at KU, established the Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting in 1991 to honor her husband, Gerhard Zuther (1930 – 1987). 

Dr. Zuther was a Professor in the Department of English at the University of Kansas and served as the Chair of the Department from 1979-1984. He taught both Shakespeare and Modern Drama courses and loved to attend the theatre. He was collaborating on a production of Hamlet with the University Theatre at the time of his death. 

The Fund is used to provide an award to a graduate or an undergraduate in the department who has an interest in and promise in playwriting. The candidates must submit a synopsis and writing excerpt and must apply by February 1 for award consideration. The award is presented by vote of the faculty & staff of the department. 

Past Recipients