SOUL Producing Residency Program (2025)

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. Including our 2024/25 Season, NBT has produced over 300 original works, including original curated work of The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout at The John F. Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts, toured globally, and launched international extensions, like the National Black Theatre of Sweden.

ABOUT THE PRODUCING RESIDENCY:

Launched in 2015, the SOUL Producing Residency is a training program working to empower the next generation of producers, general managers, and curators of the future. Through a ten-month residency, NBT gives one Black producer a place to call home. Through this program, we seek to help give artists of color the opportunity to learn and develop the skills and network needed to produce in NYC.

Previous SOUL Producing Residents:

Ngozi Anyanwu

Marie Cisco

Tola Ozim

Emana Rochelle

TS Hawkins

Lauren Marissa Smith

Jordan Fleming

Eric Emauni

Phoebe Moore

Amiah McGinty [Current}

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM:

• To help the selected Producer(s) unleash their soul on behind scenes by providing them a safe, supported, and transformative environment where they can develop, hone, and explore artistic expression.
• To provide the selected Producer(s) the opportunity to learn and develop the skills and network needed to produce in NYC through real time work experience helping to produce NBT’s current season: productions, exhibitions, readings and symposiums;

RESIDENCY COMPONENTS:

The SOUL Producing Residency recognizes one Black producer annually. The chosen producer’s work must demonstrate exceptional artistic merit and excellence in the field. The selected producer will receive:

• A minimum stipend of $10,000
• Administrative support including access to office space and resource library, and printing;
• Real-time work experience helping to produce NBT’s current season (productions, exhibitions, readings, and symposiums);
• Professional development opportunities through one-on-one mentorship, dialogue, and network opportunities with industry professionals;
• Resident will helm as a line producer for one of NBT’s theater productions, concerts, or micro-commissions taking place within the season;
• Tickets to see theatrical shows in NYC throughout the year;
• Two complimentary tickets to National Black Theatre productions;
• Opportunity to be considered for other arts organizations in the NYC area.

• Applicants are citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America.
• Applications self-identify as a member of the African Diaspora community
• Applications are 21 years of age or older
• Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs for playwriting are not eligible.
• The resident producer MUST commit to spending the 10-month residency period September, 2025 through June 30, 2026 by actively participating in various roles for each production which include: line producer, administrative aid, company manager, and/ or production manager within the National Black Theatre season.
• The resident must be able to be in the office for a minimum of 2 days for 10 hours per week.
• The resident must serve on the Selection Committee for the following SOUL Producing Residency

DATES:

• Application Submission Period Start - April 2, 2025
• Application Submission Period End - June 6, 2025 11:59 PM EST
• Finalists Notified - July 11, 2025
• Residency Recipient(s) Notified - July 22, 2025
• Residency Start - September 2, 2025 through June 30, 2026