The Next Wave Initiative

04/18/2024

08/29/2023

Meet the 2023 Next Wave Initiative Winners!

The 2023 winners include Jaylon Muchison, who received the Hattie McDaniel award, Tia Smith who received the Black Excellence award, Madison Gilmore who received the Spike Lee Award, and both Kamren Henderson and Nia Akilah Robinson, who tied for the Lorraine Hansberry award.

11/29/2022

This , help amplify the voices of young black theatre artists. Your gift today supports a dream tomorrow... - https://mailchi.mp/directorscompany/nextwaveinitiative2022givingtuesday

12/30/2021

Support the Movement for 2022 and Beyond. A message from Douglas Lyons - https://mailchi.mp/directorscompany/nextwaveinitiative2021-8140009

11/30/2021

Your support today supports a dream tomorrow.
https://www.directorscompany.org/next-wave-initiative - https://mailchi.mp/directorscompany/nextwaveinitiative2021

11/30/2021

Since launching the we’ve raised over $30k in donations that directly funds our scholarships, awards, grants, and outreach program.
This your support today supports an artist’s dream tomorrow.
Link in bio to donate - and spread the word!

03/22/2021

Our inaugural NWI winners have just been announced. Please join us in celebrating them!

The new scholarships aim to amplify new Black voices in theatre with slots for writers, directors, actors, and dancers.

02/16/2021

"The Next Wave Initiative program, which will offer four scholarships named for significant Black artists: the Lorraine Hansberry Writing Scholarship, Spike Lee Directing Scholarship, Hattie McDaniel Acting Scholarship, and Alvin Ailey Dance Scholarship. Applications are open through March 1." - American Theatre magazine

Efforts like the Black Seed, the Drinking Gourd, Next Wave initiative, and the Sprinkle-Hamlin award are directing funding to develop work by Black artists.

01/26/2021

Sony has partnered with The Next Wave Initiative! Our deadline is extended through March 1st, 2021. Please spread the word.

Find out how to apply for these scholarships, with slots for writers, directors, actors, and dancers.

12/01/2020

Did you know the Next Wave Initiative brought in 301 new donors soon after we launched? Join us, and support the future of black voices in the American Theatre with a donation today.

https://www.directorscompany.org/next-wave-initiative

10/12/2020

Submissions are open for Cycle 1 of The Next Wave Initiative Scholarships. The deadline is December 18th, 2020!

The Next Wave Initiative has announced open submissions for Cycle 1 of its scholarship program. Founded by actor-composer and TV writer Douglas Lyons (Beautiful, Beau), The Next Wave Initiative is a developmental branch of The Directors Company committed to amplifying future Black voices in the Amer...