High school students from around the country gathered on the stage at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre May 7 for the tenth annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, presented by True Colors Theatre Company and Jujamcyn Theaters.

Coming in first was Gerardo Navarro from Los Angeles, Nia Sarfo from Chicago in second, and in third, Teslyne Junior from New York City.

The evening was hosted by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (who co-founded True Colors with Jane Bishop), with special musical guest Guy Davis. Children of a Lesser God co-star Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson also made an appearance to congratulate the student competitors.

The panel of judges was made up of Apollo Theater's Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes and, Tony-winning set designer David Gallo, as well as actors Michael Potts, Roslyn Ruff, and Pauletta Washington. The semifinals were judged by Shariffa Ali, Nehassaiu deGannes, and Russell Hornsby.

The competition featured high school students performing monologues by the late, celebrated American playwright. The competition is aimed at introducing Wilson’s work to new generations and nurturing his legacy. Students first compete in local, citywide, and national competitions before competing in the finals on the Broadway stage.

The first place winner received a $3,000 cash prize, the runner-up a $2,000 cash prize, and third place $1,000. Each of the winners are also eligible for college scholarship opportunities, and all finalists receive the gift of TCG’s Century Cycle collection.