Black Women on Broadway (BWOB) is leveling up its mission to uplift, inspire, and spotlight the brilliance of Black women in theatre. How? By launching two transformative programs. One’s for the next generation of storytellers, and the other is for emerging playwrights ready to take center stage.
Academy Award–nominated actress and BWOB co-founder Danielle Brooks is going back to her roots in South Carolina. She’s ready to ignite the passion of young performers with the Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition, a new annual program honoring the spirit of Black storytelling.
Hosted in partnership with The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Brooks’ alma mater, and supported by BWOB, the competition invites high school students to carry forward the legacy of legendary playwright August Wilson while embracing the voices shaping theatre today.
The challenge? Perform a 1–2 minute monologue from a contemporary or classic playwright of color. The goal? Keep the narrative alive because while Wilson’s “Century Cycle” may be complete, the story of Black theatre is still being written. It’s about keeping the flame burning bright!
“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theatre in profound ways,” says Brooks. “I want South Carolina students to feel that legacy to see themselves in it, and to keep the cycle going.” And we’re here for it!
Students can submit their monologues by January 3, 2026, at cccmonologuecompetition.com. Finalists will be announced on February 3, and will perform live on February 28, 2026, at the Governor’s School. Hosted by Danielle Brooks herself, the event will feature a panel of esteemed judges and cash prizes for the top three winners.
It’s a rite of passage for young artists stepping into their power.
Submissions for the Reading Series are open now, and Black women playwrights are encouraged to apply at www.blackwomenonbroadway.org/events.
Together, these two initiatives—the Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition and the BWOB Reading Series—embody BWOB’s commitment to honoring legacy while building new pathways for Black women in theatre. It’s about recognizing the past while paving the way for the future.
From the classroom to the stage, BWOB is making sure the next generation of storytellers knows: your voice belongs here.
Image Credit: Angela Orellana
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