Jones reviewed touring shows for Variety before joining the Tribune 14 years ago. He heads the Eugene O'Neill Criticism Institute at the O'Neill Center in Connecticut and teaches criticism at DePaul University.
The prize consists of the annual net income of half of Nathan's estate, which "shall be paid to the American who has written the best piece of drama criticism during the theatrical year (July 1 to June 30), whether it is an article, an essay, treatise or book."
Past winners include , Charles Isherwood, Randy Gener, , Frank Rich, John Simon, Jill Dolan and . The first winner of the award was in 1958-59.
