7th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition Announces 2015 Dates
Jujamcyn Theaters and True Colors Theatre Company have announced that the seventh annual August Wilson Monologue Competition will be held on Monday, May 4, at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Seattle performing monologues penned by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright.
Two finalists from each regional city will compete for a chance to perform in the Broadway venue. A panel of celebrity judges will then evaluate the finalists' performances at the August Wilson Theatre and select a winner. The evening will also include performances by veterans of Wilson's work as well as special musical guests, to be announced at a later date.
Previous performers and judges include Phylicia Rashad, Russell Hornsby, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Scott Rudin, Guy Davis, Lynda Gravatt, Keith Randolph Smith, Tamara Tunie, Katori Hall, Maurice Hines, Roslyn Ruff, Crystal Dickinson, Brandon J. Dirden, Chris Chalk, LaTanya Richardson, Heather Alicia Simms, Pauletta Washington, and Mykelti Williamson, among others.
During their time in New York City, the student competitors will attend a Broadway show, explore the sites, and work closely with director Kenny Leon and dramaturg Todd Kreidler, two of Wilson's closest collaborators. The first place winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, the runner-up a $1,000 cash prize, and the honorable mention a $500 cash prize. Each of the winners will also become eligible for college scholarship opportunities and all finalists receive the gift of TCG’s Century Cycle collection.
