The Micki Grant

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
PROGRAM

Mission

The Micki Grant Artists in Residence Program honors the legacy of Micki Grant, a York Honorary Board Member Emerita, trailblazing artist, and champion of BIPOC representation in theatre.

This program will support early-career BIPOC theater makers–this Spring, accepting applications from writers (lyricists, composers, playwrights)– from communities historically underrepresented in American theatre. Through this initiative, The York Theatre Company will amplify voices that reflect the full richness of our society and support artists whose perspectives often go unheard.

2025 Micki Grant Artist-In-Residence

DAHLAK BRATHWAITE 

Brathwaite is an award-winning playwright, composer, director, filmmaker, and performer. His work has been presented at BAM, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo, The Wallis, REDCAT, and on HBO’s last two seasons of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry. His musical adaptation of Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down premiered at Olney Theater Center, breaking box-office records. His latest work COMMERCIAL has been developed and presented at the Public Theater. Brathwaite is a Princess Grace Award winner, and he has received awards and support from NEFA, Creative Capital, the Doris Duke Foundation, the U.S. State Department, and MAP Fund. He is a graduate of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, where he was awarded the Dean’s full-tuition fellowship, and served as the assistant director for the national tour of the Tony-winning revival of Oklahoma!" 

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Each resident is partnered with a mentor in their discipline to provide hands-on experience, meaningful connections, and opportunities to refine their voice and vision. The program is carefully curated to match each artist’s unique skills and ambitions, supporting them in their journey to become the artistic leaders of tomorrow.

Mentorship and Artistic Development: Each resident works closely with a dedicated mentor, aligned with their primary discipline, for guidance, collaboration, and artistic opportunities.

Professional Projects and Workshops: Resident artists work on current productions or new works under development, gaining hands-on experience. They participate in workshops, design sessions, and production meetings to learn all aspects of theatrical creation and production.

Networking and Career Development: Throughout the program, residents have opportunities to network with industry professionals and receive guidance on building a sustainable career in theatre.

Stipend: Each resident receives a stipend of $3,500 to support their time in the program.

Residents also receive…

  • Assignments to York productions, readings, and workshops that fit their artistic and professional development needs

  • Access to workshops on grant-writing, fundraising, navigating theatrical unions, and more

  • Meet-and-greets with York artists in their chosen discipline

  • Access to free rehearsal space

  • Invitations to the York’s Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala

The residency concludes with an opportunity for each artist to showcase their work in a final presentation with The York’s Artistic Director Joseph Hayward, Associate Artistic Director Debra Walton, Broadway Producer Jim Kierstead, a representative from the Micki Grant estate, and other industry guests.

Structure, Timing, and Application Process

The Residency cycle will run from March 17, 2026 to June 17, 2026. Each residency cycle lasts three months, aligning with The York’s production schedule. Resident artists will become integral members of The York Theatre’s creative and administrative community during this time.

  • Applications open on February 3rd

  • Candidates will be notified in early March

  • Residency cycle runs March 1 to May 31

To Apply:

Please send all application materials to residency@yorktheatre.org.

Submission Requirements:

  • Resume

  • Personal Statement (500–750 words or 2–3 minute video)

  • Work Samples:

    • Playwrights: 10–15 pages of a script

    • Composers/Lyricists: Demo of songwriting

  • Reference Letter: One letter, with contact information, from an educator, mentor, or colleague

Who is…

MICKI GRANT?

Micki Grant was a pioneering multi-talented artist in American theatre, celebrated as an actor, composer, lyricist, and playwright. She broke barriers as the first woman to write and star in a Broadway musical, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, which received multiple Tony nominations. She was the first African American contract player on a daytime serial, playing Peggy Nolan on NBC’s Another World. Known for her commitment to social justice, Grant’s work uplifted African American voices and stories, inspiring generations. Her contributions to musical theatre remain a testament to her visionary artistry and advocacy for inclusivity.

Micki Grant paved the way for countless artists of color in American theatre. We are honored to carry forward her legacy and support the next generation of storytellers who will shape the future of theatre. Through the Micki Grant Artists in Residence Program, we seek to uphold her vision of an inclusive theatre that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.