National Black Theatre Opens 2026-2027 SOUL Series LAB Applications

National Black Theatre has announced the reopening of applications for its SOUL Series LAB (Liberating Artistic Bravery), a residency program designed for mid-career playwrights, directors, and producers.

Described as a “dream MFA program,” the initiative supports the creation of new work while fostering collaboration among Black theatre artists and institutions. The program is structured around three distinct residencies aimed at developing new voices and strengthening networks of creators and producers.

“It is really important, now more than ever, that we invest in new stories, emergent talent, and the next wave of cultural leaders,” said Executive Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory. “These residency programs are here to unleash the power of creative imagination in a caring ignition space that holistically nurtures what the future of this field can be.”

I AM SOUL PLAYWRIGHTS RESIDENCY

Applications open April 16 and close May 22, 2026.

Launched in 2012, the I Am SOUL Playwrights Residency commissions new work by Black playwrights and culminates in a public presentation within NBT’s season. Selected artists participate in a minimum 18-month residency focused on developing new theatrical work in a supportive environment.

SOUL DIRECTING RESIDENCY

Applications open May 7 and close June 12, 2026.

Established in 2018, the SOUL Directing Residency provides a Black director with an 18-month creative home, offering professional development, training, and opportunities to direct within NBT’s mainstage programming. The residency emphasizes engagement with works from the Black Arts Movement as a source of inspiration.

SOUL PRODUCING RESIDENCY

Applications open June 4 and close July 10, 2026.

The SOUL Producing Residency is a 10-month program designed to support emerging Black producers, general managers, and curators. Participants gain hands-on experience and culminate their residency by serving as a line producer on an NBT production or event.

Since its founding, the SOUL Series LAB has supported a range of artists across multiple cohorts, contributing to the development of new work and advancing Black storytelling within the theatre landscape.