The Directors Company has announced the winners of Cycle 2 of Next Wave Initiative, a developmental branch of the organization focused on amplifying emerging Black artists in theatre. Each of the winners will receive between $500 and $1,959 in financial scholarships to support their undergraduate or graduate education.
Winners for Cycle 2 include Alvin Ailey Dance Award winner Isio-Maya Nuwere, Spike Lee Directing Award winner Taj Kokayi, Hattie McDaniel Acting Award winner Mohera Beason, Lorraine Hansberry Writing Award winner Shantez Tolbut, and Black Excellence Impact Award winner Alyse James.
Broadway performer and playwright Douglas Lyons founded the program in 2020. “I’m both inspired and thrilled to celebrate this divinely talented group of Black artists”, said Lyons in a statement. “Keep your eyes peeled because this won’t be the last time you see their names.”
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The initiative's scholarships are open to Black applicants pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in writing, directing, acting, or dancing, with all genders and ages welcome. Alongside Lyons, Keenan Scott II (Thoughts of Colored Man), Cameron J. Ross (Gentefied) and Binder Casting director Amber Snead served on this year's selection committee for the initiative.
For more information, visit DirectorsCompany.org.