Jeff Elwell

Ron Osborne

Rudy Gray

Buddy Farmer

Frank J. Avella

Henry Meyerson

Munroe Scott

Playwright Endorsements for Script Critiques (Analysis / Evaluations)

2023 Honorable Mention ... Heaven by Judith Cockman
"Sandra Nordgren kicked me into a new stratosphere with her critique of one of my plays. It's had readings in three cities in the US and Canada but no one's been able to put their finger on what's holding it back. Sandra clearly identified its weaknesses and gave excellent suggestions for improvement.  From working in a void, Ms. Nordgren became a beacon of encouragement and guidance for me.  If this play's voice is finally heard in the world, it will in large part be due to her generous support."

Submission... Fenced In by Jeff Elwell  (Dean of Arts and Sciences at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)  "One of the most in-depth, explicit evaluations I have received as a writer and most helpful regarding rewriting the script."  

First Prize. . . Ruby's Story by Ron Osborne  (seven plays, including Ruby's Story, were published by Samuel French)  "The script evaluations are extremely well done, in fact, superior to those provided by other competitions."

First Prize… Conversation with a Kleagle ... a KKK Recruiter by Rudy Gray (Ph.D.  in Drama, Professor in the Thematic Studies Dept at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.)  "I learned more about playwriting through the evaluations and development process with Sandra Nordgren than in all the college courses I've taken on playwriting.  I've rewritten the second act and it is much stronger because of this."

Second Prize. . . The Barbecue by Buddy Farmer  "Thank you for the very perceptive and astute critiques. The specificity shows that you are not just browsing over a script and making sweeping or general comments.  Your input was incredibly helpful in the rewrites."

Finalist… Indignity Let Us Go by Kim Slack  “Very insightful comments. You focused on what I’ve found most challenging in writing about Africa--how to give audiences a sense of the complexity without confusing them." 

Finalist... Consent by Frank J. Avella  (Recipient of the 2015 Fellowship Award from the NJ State Council on the Arts for Consent.  Recipient of the 2016 Helene Wurlitzer Residency Grant and Chesley/Bumbalo Foundation Playwright Award for Consent.)   "[The evaluation] was very helpful, and in two specific cases, VERY VERY helpful.  Thank you for EVERYTHING."

Submission ... Save the Date by Harold Blick.  "I can't thank you enough for your script analysis.  You're incredible.  You pick up everything.  With your questions and comments, I've reached deeper into myself than I thought possible."

Honorable Mention ... Can't Dance by Mike Love.   "Sandra Nordgren:  Again, you have helped me move forward. The explanation and examples of loglines helped me understand what I need to do and keeps me focused on the issues that really matter. Your teaching and encouragement are making a big difference: Thank you for the thoroughness of your critique."

Honorable Mention… Lowenstein by Henry Meyerson  “I am extremely impressed by the level of professionalism regarding procedure and the script evaluations of the critics.  ​Yours is obviously a unique organization.”

Submission… Pandora’s Committee by Munroe Scott  "Many thoughtful and useful points were made, and were presented with a direct candor that is much appreciated.