I AM SOUL Playwright Residency Program 2026

About NBT:

National Black Theatre (NBT), the nation’s first revenue-generating Black arts complex, was founded in 1968 by the late visionary artist and entrepreneur Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. Since its inception, NBT has been at the forefront of a broader movement of engaging the arts for social change, economic growth and transformation in innovative ways that build community. NBT is a leading institution engaged in intentional creative place-making by leveraging the power of theater arts with Black culture and creativity. Throughout its rich history, NBT has maintained a strong commitment to creating a space in which new and underrepresented voices can be brought to the forefront to provide unique and diverse perspectives on the myriad critical issues of equity and social justice that affect our nation today. During the last 50 years, NBT has produced over 300 original works, toured globally & launched international extensions, like the National Black Theatre of Sweden.

About the Playwright Residency:

Launched in 2012, the I AM SOUL Playwright Residency is the only program in the country that is dedicated to Black playwrights, whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit and excellence in the theatrical field, with a commitment to production.

With I AM SOUL, NBT seeks to deepen the artistic relationship between Black theatrical institutions and Black playwrights to re-establish Black theatrical institutions as the foremost supporters and producers of new works created by Black playwrights.

Goals of the Program :

• To help the selected Playwright(s) unleash their soul on the page by providing them a safe, supported, and transformative environment where they can develop, hone, and explore artistic expression.
• With NBT's Creative Staff, the selected playwright(s) will develop a new play during the eighteen (18) month residency.
  
• This process culminates with a Public Presentation in NBT’s Theatrical season.

Dates:

• Application Submission Period Start - April 16, 2026
• Application Submission Period End - May 22, 2026
• Panel Review Process: June 1 - June 22, 2026
• Finalists Notified - June 30, 2026
• Residency Recipient(s) Notified - July 17, 2026
• Residency Start - September 8, 2026

Benefits:

• The playwright(s) will receive a minimum stipend of $7,500.00.
• NBT will provide support for up to six in-house readings of new plays outside of the Resident's commissioned work.
• Access to scheduled office space, printing, and administrative support.
• Two Complimentary tickets to each of National Black Theatre productions that season, as well as additional services and opportunities that NBT has to offer and may come across.

Requirements:

• The I AM SOUL - PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENCY is available to Black playwrights, 21 years of age or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
  
• Students in K-12 educational programs or enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs for playwriting are not eligible.
  
• The resident playwright commits to spending a minimum 18-month residency period by actively participating in the National Black Theatre community.
  
• Applicants must commit to being present and an active participant during all readings, workshops, rehearsals, and public presentations of their work.
  
• Playwrights may not receive more than one residency at NBT through this program.
  
• The selected playwright is required to serve on the Selection Committee for the I AM SOUL - PLAYWRIGHTS RESIDENCY.