FAQs | New Black Voices
How much is the stipend? How much does a mentee get paid?
- In addition to monthly meetings and additional production support from LHT staff, mentees receive a $500 monthly stipend for their work through the mentorship program.
What happens after I apply?
- A selection committee will review all applications and work with Artistic Director Margo Hall to narrow down applicants. Finalists will be selected for a virtual interview with one or more committee members. Then, a final selection process will occur. All applicants will be notified of their application statuses at every phase of the selection process. For the 2026-27 Application Process, finalists will be notified prior to August 2026.
Who chooses my mentor and who will it be?
- The selected mentee will meet with Artistic Director Margo Hall to discuss / decide on the mentor. She will make the final decision on the mentor-mentee match, taking into consideration feedback from the New Black Voices Advisory Board.
At what stage does my play or project have to be in order to apply?
- Applicants should have a full draft of their play or a partial draft, with an outline or strong concept of how to complete their piece throughout the mentorship program. For the application, you should have a draft of the play, a clear concept of the project overall, and an ability to articulate why it is important to you or your community. We also request a work sample within the application.
I am older in age / have been working in arts for a long time, what is your definition of emerging?
- We define “emerging” as a writer from any age or background, who has not had a professional production of their written work or has not had an established career (over 5 years) as a playwright, specifically. Whether this is your first play or you have been working on a script for a few years, we want writers who are new to playwriting.
I am working on my first play and have not written for the theater previously. Can I use other work that I’ve done as a poet, dancer/performer, or arts producer—for my work sample?
- Yes. As a mentorship for emerging writers, we understand that you might be working on your first play. We encourage work samples that focus on any type of written work (including poetry, creative non-fiction, devised theatrical work, etc.); however, we accept any sample that showcases your creative ability.
I am gender non-conforming / trans. Can I apply for this mentorship?
- Yes. We accommodate and encourage gender non-conforming / trans writers to apply. However, we prioritize those who self-identify as female / femme in any way.
I am of mixed ethnicity. Can I apply for this mentorship?
- Yes. We accommodate and encourage mixed ethnicity writers to apply, if they consider themselves to be part of the Black / African diaspora.
Who is part of the jury selection committee?
- The selection committee is composed of members of the New Black Voice Advisory Board Members as well as LHT staff and board members. This team is led by Artistic Director Margo Hall.
English is not my first language, should I apply?
- We cannot accommodate playwrights whose writing / work is in non-English languages. However, we can accommodate writers whose first language is not English throughout the process—if they are writing in English.
Is there anyone who can give me feedback on our application before applying?
- If you contact our team via email at info@lhtsf.org, a LHT team member or New Black Voices representative will contact you for assistance or feedback. All requests for one-on-one meetings or individual feedback must be submitted before Monday, May 25 at 5pm PT.
Who can we contact for more questions?
- For more questions about the application or the New Black Voices Mentorship Program overall, please contact info@lhtsf.org.