New to the Neighborhood New Works Incubator

What Will the Neighbors Say? Theatre Company is currently seeking applicants for their upcoming “New to the Neighborhood” residency for Fall of 2024. This new program created by What Will the Neighbors Say? is intended to be an incubator for Brooklyn-based emerging artists from underrepresented communities. Specifically, they are seeking residents who are female, trans, or non-binary playwrights of the Global Majority. LGBTQIA+ and immigrant folks are especially encouraged! They selected these specific groups as they have historically been underserved by the American theater industry, and this residency aims to help redress that imbalance.

They are seeking two early career residents for our inaugural cohort which will take place from November to December 2024.

The inaugural New to the Neighborhood Residency is made possible with funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council as well as additional support from IndieSpace and the offices of City Counselor C.M. Hudson and State Senator Julia Salazar.

EACH RESIDENT WILL RECEIVE:

• $1,500 unrestricted stipend
• $1,500 to pay a director, actors, stage manager, or other additional creatives as needed for the resident’s time with the Neighbors
• $100 printing and miscellaneous spending budget
• 29 hours of rehearsal space at Chez Bushwick
• A final work in progress presentation at MITU580 with industry invites
• Advertising and marketing support
• Mentorship from the Neighbors in whichever way best serves the resident (artist branding, feedback on drafts, professional development, etc.)

THE NEIGHBORS’ MISSION

What Will the Neighbors Say? is an investigative theatre company that provokes questions through untold stories. Led by a collaborative cohort of international artists, the Neighbors present overlooked social, cultural and historical narratives that challenge the audience to reflect on the current moment. Through a combination of original plays, arts education workshops and dynamic community gatherings, the troupe incites rowdy and rigorous debate at the theatre and throughout the Neighborhood.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process will consist of three rounds:

Round 1 - This application! DUE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
Round 2 - Play Submission (which doesn’t need to be the one you are proposing - but it can be! see our FAQ for more on this)
Round 3 - A Short Interview with the Neighbors and the Board of Directors

Applications will open on Wednesday, September 4th, and close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, September 18th.

If you are invited to the second round, you will be informed by Wednesday, October 2nd, and your full length play will be due Wednesday, October 9th. If you are selected for the final interview round, you will be informed on Wednesday, October 23rd, and interviews will take place the week beginning Monday, October 28th over Zoom. Selected residents will be notified on Monday, November 4th.

TIMELINE

• September 4th - Round One Applications Open
• September 18th - Round One Applications Close
• October 2nd - Round Two Notifications
• October 9th - Round Two Applications Close
• October 23rd - Round Three Notifications
• October 28th to October 30th - Round Three Interviews
• November 4th - Residents Notified
• November 11th - Residents Announced and planning begins
• December 9th to 15th - Rehearsal / Presentation Period (you must be in NYC during these days!)

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Quality of the work samples and proposed project narrative
2. Scope of previous artistic experience - you don’t need to have “reputable” venues/grantors on your resume, but we are looking for sustained creative work
3. Is your work in line with the mission of WWTNS? to provoke questions through untold stories?

Requirements

They are specifically seeking female, trans, or non-binary playwrights of the Global Majority who live and work in Brooklyn for this residency. Please do not apply if you are not a member of those communities!

Application Instructions

APPLY HERE:
https://airtable.com/appNMovScdKHzPYtZ/pagViN1ANVk2tkPat/form