Next Narrative
The Next Narrative Monologue Competition (NNMC) is a national theater initiative created by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company. It provides high school students (grades 9-12) with the opportunity to perform original monologues by contemporary Black playwrights. Winners of regional competitions throughout the country compete for a chance to advance to the National Finals in New York City.
Regional winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip that includes workshops with theater professionals, a Broadway show experience, and a performance at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater. National winners earn cash scholarships and additional recognition.
NNMC’s mission is to amplify Black voices in theater, enhance students' acting skills, and encourage artistic exploration of themes such as identity, social justice, community, and cultural heritage. By engaging with these powerful narratives, students learn to use their voices for creative expression and social impact.
Next Narrative Competition
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. Introduce students to today’s leading contemporary Black writers
2. Expose students to acting techniques that enhance their knowledge of
the art and skill of performance
3. Utilize the arts to support students in making co-curricular connections
4. Investigate how history and culture influence personal perspective through artful exploration
5. Embolden students to use their voices to inspire social action
This program serves high school students, grades 9–12, who will compete regionally. The top two winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete nationally.
IMPORTANT DATES
Competition Registration closes Monday, Feb 24, 2025
Competition Rehearsals are Wednesday, March 5, 2025- Friday, March 7, 2025
Competition Performance Date is Saturday, March 8, 2025
WORKSHOPS
Workshop Registration closes Thursday, January 30, 2025
Workshop is Saturday, February 1, 2025
Next Narrative Workshop
Join us for our first-ever workshop on February 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. All are welcome to join, even those who aren’t registered for the Next Narrative competition!
Learn more about NN competition
Hone your performance skills
Work with experts in the field
Develop nationally competitive skills to prepare for competition in NYC
