Under the leadership of Artistic Director Margo Hall, The New Black Voices Mentorship Program has become central to Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s mission of uplifting and celebrating Black voices, perspectives, and stories. This innovative program offers vital support, mentorship, and production opportunities for emerging Black female and femme-identifying playwrights, nurturing socially impactful pieces relevant to their communities—from initial idea to the stage.
SUPPORT EMERGING BLACK ARTISTS:
Want to play a role in shaping the future of Black theatre? The New Black Voices Mentorship Program exists because of supporters who believe in investing in emerging artists at critical moments in their careers. Your gift provides mentorship, professional development, and meaningful artistic partnership — ensuring the next generation of Black theatre makers has the tools to thrive.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
Are you a Black female or femme-identifying artist ready to create or workshop a new piece of theater? The New Black Voices Program offers mentorship, financial and artistic support, and a platform to bring your work to life.
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Mentorship Cycle.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
In order to successfully submit an application, you'll need to prepare the following materials before beginning your application:
- Artistic Resume/CV
PDF or URL Link
- Artistic Statement
What stories are you drawn to? What are you passionate about? Why do you write / Why do you want to become a playwright? (2000 word limit)
- Work Sample
A writing sample no longer than 15 pages. Video samples are also accepted through URL link, but should be no longer than 5 minutes. This work should ideally be from a piece you are hoping to develop further during the NBV program, however previous work is also acceptable.
- Play/Project Pitch
What story do you want to tell? Why is this important to you personally, or to your community? Who do you want to speak to through this piece? How does this piece challenge you artistically? (1000 word limit)
- Why are you interested in the New Black Voices Mentorship? (1000 word limit)
- What characteristics or expertise are you looking for in a mentor? What do you need to succeed in a creative process or professional space? (1000 word limit)
- Short Response Questions
Deadline to apply: May 31st
Questions? Email info@lhtsf.org.
SISTAHFRIEND
New Black Voices 2026 Production
A dramatic comedy follows three Black women in their 40s as they navigate life, love, faith, and identity with honesty, humor, and heart.
Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a passionate creative artist dedicated to theatre, production, and community advocacy. She serves as associate producer and casting manager at SFBATCO and co-hosts Creatively Shaded, a podcast amplifying Black theatre voices in the Bay Area.
A teaching artist with SFArtsEd, Berkeley Rep, A.C.T., and Pacific Singers & Actors, she recently played Rabby in Fat Ham at SF Playhouse and was named the 2025–26 Lorraine Hansberry Theatre New Black Voices Mentee. A 2024–25 Black Futures Awardee, her credits include The Color Purple, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and directing Legally Blonde. @phaedratboughton
Phaedra Tillery-Boughton
2025-26 New Black Voices Resident Artist
PREVIOUS NBV PROJECTS
(NO MORE) ADJUSTMENTS
New Black Voices 2024 Production
"Working with New Black Voices mentors Lisa B. Thompson, Lisa Marie Rollins, Margo Hall, and other collaborators at LHT has been an absolute blessing. Each individual has served as a guiding light, illuminating my creative path and empowering me to embrace my artistic voice and talents. In this sacred space of Black and Brown bodies, I have found the courage to advocate for myself, to challenge myself creatively, and most importantly, to accept and celebrate the essence of my artistic expression.”
Champagne Hughes
2024 New Black Voices Resident Artist
In (NO MORE) adjustments, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre brought playwright Champagne Hughes’s powerful vision to life. An artist in transition, Hughes invited audiences into an immersive experience filled with storytelling, therapeutic call-and-response, and ceremonial songs and dance. Based on her real-life journey through personal, artistic, and academic spaces, the production explored the imperfect catharsis of live theater. Audiences witnessed one Black woman’s path from healing to empowerment, unfolding on stage in real time—a testament to the transformative power of theater.
