National Latine Playwrights Award
Established in 1995, Arizona Theatre Company’s National Latine Playwrights Award (NLPA) is unique in its longevity and prescience. Under the leadership of ATC Playwright-in-Residence and NLPA Festival director Elaine Romero, the award continues to create a greater awareness of under-represented Latine writers’ stories. It has honored many outstanding works by Latine playwrights who have achieved remarkable success throughout the country.
The 2026 National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival
During Hispanic Heritage Month, ATC will celebrate 2026 NLPA Winner Evelina Fernández for her winning play, Blow Away the Clouds, with the 2026 National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival at Tempe Center for the Arts on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The festival, led by NLPA Program Director and ATC Playwright-in-Residence Elaine Romero, invites the community to experience a staged reading of Blow Away the Clouds, an awards presentation honoring Fernández, and a special reception featuring food, music, and drinks.
Set in 1930s Arizona, Blow Away the Clouds is a vibrant play with music that brings together storytelling, song, and live music. The reading will feature a cast of five accompanied by a live guitarist. Written primarily in English with Spanish woven throughout, the play offers a powerful new work rooted in Arizona history and Latine culture.
Fernández, who was raised in Arizona and maintains strong ties to the Phoenix community, is a celebrated playwright and co-founder of Latino Theater Company in Los Angeles. The production is directed by José Luis Valenzuela, Fernández’s husband and longtime artistic collaborator.
5 PM
- Happy hour with cash bar and light bites provided
- Live performance by Mariachi Rubor
5:30 PM
- A pre-reading conversation with Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August, NLPA winner Evelina Fernández, Director José Luis Valenzuela, and NLPA Program Director Elaine Romero
6 PM
- Reading of Blow Away the Clouds
Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Sponsored By
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix IDA
Supported by
Tempe Center for the Arts
Thank you to our Partners …
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Arizona-Mexico Commission
Consulate General of México in Phoenix
Xico
NLPA Submission Information
NLPA Submission Information
Submissions for the 2026 NLPA are closed at this time. Click here to learn more about eligibility.
National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival
National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival
Learn more about our National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival now taking place on both of ATC’s stages.
2026 National Latine Playwrights Award Recipient
2026 National Latine Playwrights Award Recipient
Learn more about ATC’s 2026 National Latine Playwrights Award Recipient Evelina Fernández.
Support NLPA
Support NLPA
As we celebrate more than 30 years of honoring exceptional talent, we invite you to join us in supporting this vital initiative.
Did You Know?
Notable winners of the National Latine Playwrights Award include Luis Alfaro (MacArthur Fellowship or “genius” grant recipient), Karen Zacarías (Helen Hayes Award recipient), Kristoffer Diaz (Pulitzer Prize Finalist, 2024 Tony Nominee), Octavio Solis (NEA Fellowship), and Charise Castro Smith (co-writer of the Disney hit Encanto – Golden Globe, Winner, Best Motion Picture, Animated), and more.