August Wilson Monologue Competition Sets Date

Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company and Jujamcyn Theaters have announced that the 11th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition will take place on Monday, May 6, at 7pm at the August Wilson Theatre.

The event, which is free and open to the public, features high school students from across the country performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright. There will additionally be a special performance by American Blues musician and actor Guy Davis.

Founded in 2007, the Annual National August Wilson Monologue Competition aims to expose a new generation of creative minds to the life's work and artistic legacy of this seminal American playwright. Program participants in cities across the country encounter Wilson's 10-play cycle and receive coaching from teaching artists as they prepare their monologues for local, citywide and national competitions.

A panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the competitors and select a winner. Among those who have previously lent their support as performers, judges, and guests are Phylicia Rashad, Russell Hornsby, Scott Rudin, Guy Davis, Lynn Nottage, Lynda Gravatt, Keith Randolph Smith, Tamara Tunie, Katori Hall, Maurice Hines, Crystal Dickinson, Chris Chalk, LaTanya Richardson, Heather Alicia Simms, and Mykelti Williamson, among others. The 2019 celebrity judges will be announced at a later date.

The top three contestants from the national competition receive monetary awards. The first place winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize; the runner-up, a $2,000 cash prize; and the honorable mention, a $1,000 cash prize. Each of the winners will also become eligible for college scholarship opportunities. All finalists receive the gift of TCG's Century Cycle collection.