Next Wave Initiative

Black artists of the Black diaspora pursuing collegiate education in writing, directing, acting, or dance. All genders and ages welcome. Scholarships support undergraduate or graduate study; Development Wing also offers new-work grants (e.g. First Burp Grant $1,000).

1. Watch directorscompany.org/next-wave-initiative for open cycle announcements.
2. Apply for the named scholarship matching your discipline.
3. Submit required creative/academic materials by the cycle deadline.
4. Finalists announced in summer; winners receive educational funding.

• Online application
• Discipline-specific work samples
• Proof of enrollment/pursuit of degree in writing, directing, acting, or dance
• Contact: nextwave@directorscompany.org

The Lorraine Hansberry Writing Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,959 honoring 1959, the year Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first African-American playwright to debut on Broadway with A Raisin in The Sun. This scholarship is granted to a promising Black artist pursuing a career in Literature, Creative writing, Theatre or Screenplay writing. The Spike Lee Directing Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,986 honoring 1986, the year Spike Lee made his directorial debut with She's Gotta Have It. This scholarship is granted to a promising Black artist pursuing a collegiate education in direction for stage or screen. The Hattie McDaniel Acting Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,940 honoring 1940, the year Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar award for her performance in Gone with The Wind. This scholarship is granted to a Black actor/actress pursuing theatre or film acting on the collegiate level. The Alvin Ailey Dance Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,958 honoring 1958, the year Ailey founded his Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This scholarship is granted to a Black artist pursuing dance on the collegiate level. The Black Excellence Impact Award A prize of $1,000 awarded to a Black collegiate artist who's used their art to impact their community. DEVELOPMENT WING The First Burp Grant- This grant is awarded to a new play or musical written by a Black artist that has yet to be produced. The grant of $1,000 goes directly towards funding the first 29 Hour reading presentation of said new work.

Cycle 4 winners include Aamar-Malik Culbreth (Hattie McDaniel), Mo Holmes (Lorraine Hansberry), Tramaine Raphael Gray (Spike Lee), Davon Williams (Black Excellence); Cycle 3 winners announced 2023 via Playbill