Black Women on Broadway (BWOB), an organization dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the achievements of Black women working in theater, has expanded its programming with the announcement of two new initiatives. The programs are Danielle Brooks’ “Century Cycle Continues” monologue competition and the BWOB Reading Series.
A nod to Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s Century Cycle of plays, BWOB’s monologue competition will invite South Carolina high school students to perform monologues from contemporary and classic playwrights of color. The competition is hosted in partnership with the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, of which BWOB co-founder and Tony nominee Brooks is an alumnus. The competition will take place on Feb. 28, 2026. The event’s top three winners will receive a cash prize.
“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theater in profound ways, and I want to ensure South Carolina students feel that legacy and continue the narrative,” Brooks said in a statement. “This competition is an invaluable opportunity for young performers to improve their acting skills and develop their confidence on stage while showcasing their talent in front of a live, supportive audience.”
The BWOB Reading Series will provide a platform for emerging Black women playwrights to develop their work through a one-day rehearsal process. The plays will be presented at a free public staged reading on Jan. 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
“The reading series is a deeply personal project for me,” said BWOB co-founder and Tony nominee Jocelyn Bioh. “I began my career through programs like these, which gave me the chance to build an audience and gain recognition in the early days. With so many play development opportunities disappearing — especially those dedicated to Black playwrights — we hope this series will create meaningful space for Black women to live in their work, if only for a day.”
Information on how to submit for the monologue competition can be found here.
Information on how to submit for the reading series can be found here.
BWOB was founded in 2020 by Bioh, Brooks and fellow Tony nominee Amber Iman. In June, the organization's fourth annual awards ceremony honored LaTanya Richardson Jackson, LaChanze and Khaila Wilcoxon.
