Two 2026 Kleban Prize Winners and One Jonathan Larson Grant Recipient Recognized for National Artistic Excellence

Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts faculty members Eric Price, Phillip Christian Smith, and Adam J. Rineer have earned major national recognition in musical theatre writing, with Price and Smith named 2026 Kleban Prize winners and Rineer selected as a 2026 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient.

“To have three faculty members recognized in the same year with two of the most distinguished honors in musical theatre writing is extraordinary,” said Jennifer Holmes, PhD, dean of Sands College of Performing Arts. “These awards reflect the creative leadership and artistic rigor of our faculty and affirm Sands College as a center for innovation in musical theatre.”

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The Kleban Prize

Price received the 2026 Kleban Prize for Most Promising Lyricist in Musical Theatre, and Smith received the 2026 Kleban Prize for Most Promising Librettist in Musical Theatre. Each will receive $100,000, distributed over two years through The Kleban Foundation.

Established in 1988 in the will of A Chorus Line lyricist Edward Kleban, the prize supports writers of extraordinary promise and is awarded in recognition of future artistic achievement. The Kleban Prize is administered by New Dramatists on behalf of The Kleban Foundation.

Phillip Christian Smith teaches verse and heightened language in the BFA Acting program. An award-winning playwright, he has been recognized by the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, The Dramatists Guild Fellowship, New Dramatists, PlayPenn, and The Playwrights Realm. His play The Chechens received its fourth production at Pace in fall 2022, directed by the playwright.

Smith holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama, an MFA from Hunter College (’23), and a BFA from the University of New Mexico. He has acted at theaters nationwide, including Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, and is currently developing a Sloan Commission.

“I like to start out by thanking the great Edward Kleban for thinking about the future of the American Theatre in creating this award knowing that lyricists and book writers would probably be working in cafés, and coffee shops, restaurants and bars, office jobs, and also in this case adjuncts,” said Smith.

Eric Price is a lyricist, librettist, director, and educator who previously received the Fred Ebb Award for Musical Theatre Writing with collaborator Will Reynolds. His work includes the musicals The Violet Hour, Presto Change-o, Radioactive, Hello Out There, Around the World, and The Sixth Borough, as well as additional material for the stage adaptation of Clue, which has toured nationally and internationally and is among the most produced plays worldwide. The Violet Hour released an all-star studio cast album that was named Best Cast Album of the Year by the Broadway Radio Show.

Price worked for many years alongside 21-time Tony Award–winning director and producer Hal Prince on the development of new musicals. He holds an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has taught musical theatre history, repertoire, and writing at Pace for nine years. He also serves on the faculty of CAP21.

“The work of Edward Kleban has always been an incredible source of inspiration for me,” said Price. “It’s a privilege to be part of his amazing legacy, as well as share this experience with the truly wonderful writers who have received this award before. I’m profoundly grateful.”

Jonathan Larson Grant

The Jonathan Larson Grant, administered by the American Theatre Wing and sustained by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation, is an unconditional annual investment in emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, and librettists. Named for the Pulitzer Prize–winning creator of Rent, the grant supports artists with the potential to shape contemporary culture and advance the future of the American musical.

Adam J. Rineer is a composer, writer, and music director dedicated to new musical theatre development. Currently an Artist in Residence at Ars Nova and a member of The Civilians’ R&D Group, Rineer has developed work presented at HERE Arts Center, Musical Theatre Factory, National Alliance for Musical Theatre, and the Eugene O’Neill National Musical Theatre Conference. They are also the co-founder of the UNTITLED Musical Project, supporting marginalized musical theatre writers.

Rineer earned an MFA in Musical Theatre Collaboration from Temple University as part of the inaugural George and Joy Abbott Musical Theatre cohort and holds a BA in music from Millersville University. They are members of The Dramatists Guild and ASCAP.

“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award in the named of one of my musical theatre hero’s, Jonathan Larson — an artist who pushed boundaries in genre and form,” said Rineer. “His legacy continues to inspire writers, including myself, to take creative risks and tell urgent stories. With the help of this grant, I look forward to continuing to explore how I can live up to his legacy.”

Amanda Flynn, Ed.D., program head of musical theatre, noted that the recognition reflects the strength of the program’s faculty and its commitment to new work development.

“Our students are learning directly from artists who are shaping the future of the American musical,” Flynn said. “Having faculty recognized with the Kleban Prize and the Jonathan Larson Grant reinforces the depth of mentorship and artistic excellence embedded in our program.”

Together, the Kleban Prize and the Jonathan Larson Grant represent two of the most significant national honors for musical theatre writers, underscoring Pace University’s leadership in shaping the future of the American musical.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Sands College of Performing Arts

Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University is a cutting-edge performing arts school that nurtures artistic innovation and develops future leaders and changemakers in the profession. Renowned for its diverse range of highly-ranked programs, Sands College is committed to cultivating top-talent performers, designers, and production professionals. From Hollywood to Broadway, Sands College students and alumni have appeared in major film and television productions and theater performances such as & Juliet, A Beautiful Noise, A Strange Loop, Almost Famous, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge, Ohio State Murders, Wicked, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Recognized by Playbill as one of the 10 most represented colleges on Broadway, Sands College continues to inspire the next generation of artists both on stage and screen.

On a campus as busy as ours, most days feel routine. But if an emergency ever interrupts that routine, Pace wants to be ready to support every member of our community.

The Pace Emergency Evacuation Registry (PEER) is a voluntary, confidential program for NYC students, staff, and faculty who may need assistance during an evacuation. Whether you have a mobility limitation, a sensory or cognitive disability, or a temporary medical need like recovering from surgery, PEER helps Safety and Security respond quickly and thoughtfully.

If an evacuation is ordered in your building and you’re enrolled, you’ll receive a text or phone call asking you to confirm whether you’re inside and if you need assistance. From there, staff can coordinate support and, if necessary, share your location with first responders so help reaches you as quickly as possible.

You don’t need to share specific medical details—just the type of assistance you may require. Your information is stored securely, kept confidential, and accessed only during emergencies. And you can update or unenroll at any time.

It takes just a few minutes to register.

Visit the PEER website to learn more and sign up.

New data lab advances environmental right-to-know through real-time monitoring and public health innovation

Pace University today celebrated the ribbon cutting and official inauguration of the Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy and the Environment at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, marking a significant expansion of the University’s leadership in environmental technology and policy innovation.

The ceremony formally launched the Center’s enhanced data laboratory, which will monitor environmental conditions throughout the region, and promote policy reforms that will assure the public’s right-to-know the quality of the water they drink. Along with an expansive technology lab on the Hudson, the launch signals the next phase of the Center’s mission as a regional innovation hub dedicated to advancing real-time technologies that will advance innovations in information systems and related policy reforms for the protection of human and environmental health.

Made possible by a transformative gift from New York City philanthropist and business leader Gale Epstein, the Center builds upon the success of Seidenberg’s Blue CoLab and expands its work in real-time water monitoring and environmental information systems. Its guiding principle is that informed decision-making about public health requires access to timely, accurate information about environmental conditions.

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“The Gale Epstein Center represents innovation with purpose,” said Pace University President Marvin Krislov. “We are deeply grateful to Gale for her vision and generosity in making this Center possible. By integrating technology, data science, and policy leadership, the Center strengthens our ability to protect communities and prepare students to solve urgent environmental and public health challenges.”

A central focus of the Center’s work is the development of real-time sensing and alert systems, including drinking water monitoring technologies designed to provide early detection of contamination events. In addition, through applied research, artificial intelligence machine learning applications and experiential learning opportunities, students collaborate with faculty to design and analyze environmental monitoring across the Hudson River region.

Executive Director John Cronin said early warning systems are critical to protecting public health.

“Whether encountering drinking water contamination, climate-related emergencies or emerging pollutants, the public should be alerted to environmental threats immediately,” Cronin said. “The Gale Epstein Center provides the tools and training capacity to develop real-time technologies that will make such warning systems a reality.”

Epstein said the Center reflects a shared commitment to empowering communities through access to environmental information.

“Access to accurate, timely environmental information is essential for the protection of public health,” Epstein said. “I am proud our Center combines technology, education and policy to serve and protect the public good.”

Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, said the Center expands opportunities for students to apply emerging technologies to real-world environmental challenges.

“This initiative reflects Seidenberg’s commitment to experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration,” Chen said. “Students gain hands-on experience in data analytics, real-time systems and technology policy while contributing to solutions that protect the environment and communities.”

Silas Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in computer science and law, said the Center has shaped both his academic and professional goals.

“From the moment I began working here, I felt this was where I belonged,” Gonzalez said. “The faculty challenge and support us, and through initiatives like the United Nations Millennium Fellowship, I’ve seen how technology and environmental science can work together to build a better future.”

The Center operates a multidisciplinary program of innovation, training, research and policymaking. Students engage in coursework in real-time instrumentation, technology policy and data analytics, with hands-on learning at Choate Pond, the Ossining Real-Time Tech Hub and regional monitoring sites connected to the Hudson River estuary. Collaborations across the university — including Dyson College’s Environmental Studies and Science Department, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and the NYC Design Factory — support the Center’s academic and policy initiatives.

In addition to Epstein and Pace leaders, in attendance at Monday’s grand opening were faculty, students, alumni, and supporters of the Center. Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, who represents the Pleasantville campus in the New York State Legislature, was also present for the opening of the lab. A reception followed the ceremony, where guests toured the data laboratory and met with faculty and student researchers.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University proudly hosted the 38th Annual Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition (NELMCC), one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious interschool moot court competitions devoted to environmental law.

This year’s competition welcomed teams from across the country to Pace Haub Law’s campus for three days of advocacy in front of attorney judges. Since its founding in 1989, NELMCC has set the national standard for excellence in environmental moot court competitions, challenging students to engage with complex and timely issues shaping environmental law and policy.

The 2026 NELMCC Championship title was awarded to Columbia Law School. The two finalist teams were University of Minnesota Law School and Lewis & Clark Law School. All three teams delivered outstanding performances in the final round, which was presided over by an esteemed panel of judges:

• The Honorable Eunice C. Lee, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
• The Honorable Kermit V. Lipez, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
• The Honorable Malachy E. Mannion, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
• The Honorable Joseph A. Marutollo, United States Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of New York
• The Honorable A. L. Merriam, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

As with every year, the competition was organized and led by Pace Haub Law students. The 2026 NELMCC Board was chaired by Thomas O’Connell, supported by a dedicated student leadership team overseeing hospitality, judging, scoring, fundraising, competition logistics, and more. The 2026 Problem was authored by Professor Todd Ommen, who also serves as Faculty Advisor, with the Bench Memorandum authored by Kiran Chalal, Environmental Law Program Fellow.

“NELMCC represents the very best of environmental advocacy and student leadership,” shared NELMCC Chair Thomas O’Connell. “It was an honor to work alongside such a dedicated board to welcome talented competitors from across the country and esteemed attorney judges. The level of preparation, professionalism, and passion we saw this year truly reflects the strength and future of environmental law.”

Over the course of the three-day competition, lively discussions and panels were also held amongst coaches and judges, an environmental career session was hosted by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, a Law Professor Workshop, as well as a CLE were also held. The Competition ended with a Reception and Awards Ceremony. In addition to the winning teams, awards went to: Julie Lane, Drake University Law School (Best Oralist), Andie Madsen, SJ Quinney College of Law (Honorable Mention for Best Oralist), and American University Washington College of Law (2026 David Sive Award for Best Brief Overall).

The Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition is grateful to the organizations and people whose financial support help make the event possible. This year, NELMCC was pleased to have the continued partnership of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) and AlterEcho, who were premier sponsors.