A prestigious national award for new plays names only 24 nominees annually -- and this year, two of them have Salt Lake City connections. ---

The American Theatre Critics Association named its two-dozen semi-finalists for the 2012 Steinberg New Play Award in late October, counting among that number two local playwrights whose works premiered in Salt Lake City last season. Matthew Ivan Bennett, resident playwright for Plan-B Theatre Company, was recognized for Mesa Verde, his exploration of the relationship between two estranged sisters. Also receiving a nomination was Salt Lake Acting Company's resident playwright Kathleen Cahill for The Persian Quarter, about the legacy of two women who were part of the 1980 Iran hostage crisis.

Historically, the nominations are narrowed down to six finalists in late winter, with the winner announced in late March/early April. The winner will receive a $25,000 cash fellowship, while two runners-up receive $7,500 prizes.