Black Women on Broadway has launched two new programs to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women in theatre, from aspiring high school students to emerging professional playwrights.
Danielle Brooks’ Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition, inspired by the spirit of August Wilson's landmark series of plays, will find the Oscar-nominated actress returning to her South Carolina roots to inspire the next generation of performers.
Hosted in partnership with Brooks’ alma mater, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, and supported by BWOB, the annual competition invites high school students to join in the tradition of Black American storytelling on stage. Students will be asked to perform monologues from contemporary and classic playwrights of color.
Interested students should submit a one-to-two minute monologue by January 3, 2026, at CCCMonologueCompetition.com. Ten finalists will be chosen February 3 with a live performance set for February 28 at the Governor's School, hosted by Brooks.
“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theatre in profound ways, and I want to ensure South Carolina students feel that legacy and continue the narrative,” said Brooks in a statement. “This competition is an invaluable opportunity for young performers to improve their acting skills and develop their confidence on stage while showcasing their talent in front of a live, supportive audience.” Orange Is the New Black star Brooks, Tony-nominated for her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple, also starred in the 2022 revival of Wilson's The Piano Lesson. She was also Oscar-nominated for her performance in the film version of The Color Purple musical.
The Black Women on Broadway Reading Series, providing a platform for emerging Black women playwrights to develop their work through a one-day rehearsal process, will culminate in its first free public staged reading January 12 at 7 PM.
Each reading will bring together the playwright, director, and a cast of actors for an intensive day of exploration, offering the public a chance to experience new work by fresh voices in the theatre.
“The reading series is a deeply personal project for me,” said BWOB co-founder and Tony nominee Jocelyn Bioh (Jaja's African Hair Braiding) in a statement. “I began my career through programs like these, which gave me the chance to build an audience and gain recognition in the early days. With so many play development opportunities disappearing—especially those dedicated to Black playwrights—we hope this series will create meaningful space for Black women to live in their work, if only for a day.”
Submissions are open now, and Black women playwrights are encouraged to apply at BlackWomenonBroadway.org.
Founded in 2020 by Tony nominees Amber Iman, Brooks, and Bioh, Black Women on Broadway celebrates and supports the achievements of Black women in theatre through mentorship, fellowship, and community-building.
