The recipients of the prestigious 2024-25 George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism have been announced, with Masi Asare of Northwestern University and arts journalist Billy McEntee being honored for their significant contributions to the field. The award, which recognizes excellence in dramatic criticism, is administered by Cornell University’s Department of Literatures in English and evaluated by a committee comprising heads of the English departments from Cornell, Princeton, and Yale Universities.
Masi Asare is a multifaceted talent within the performing arts. She is a Tony-nominated songwriter known for her work on “Paradise Square,” as well as a voice teacher and an academic. Currently serving as an associate professor of theatre and performance studies at Northwestern, she directs the university’s American Musical Theatre Project and holds the McCormick Professorship for teaching excellence. Her scholarly work has been recognized with the Judy Tsou Critical Race Studies Award from the American Musicological Society, and she has also received the Ziegfeld Award for her achievements as a woman composer.
In parallel, Billy McEntee serves as the theater editor at BROOKLYN RAIL, where he focuses on new and often experimental theatrical works. His essays have appeared in various publications, including The Boston Globe, American Theatre, and Vanity Fair, which have recently narrowed their arts coverage. McEntee is also involved in site-specific theater production; his work “The Voices in Your Head” received recognition as a nominee for the 2025 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience, while “Slanted Floors” was featured on Vulture’s list of the Best Theater of 2025. Additionally, he imparts his knowledge as an educator at The School of The New York Times and the American College Theater Festival.
The Nathan Award not only highlights significant achievements in dramatic criticism but also emphasizes the importance of fostering diverse voices and perspectives in the arts. Both Asare and McEntee exemplify this commitment through their work, making noteworthy contributions that resonate within the theatre community and beyond.
For further information, readers can visit the College of Arts and Sciences website.
