Next Wave Initiative
The NWI scholarships are specifically for Black artists pursuing higher education in writing, directing, acting, or dancing.
"I cannot articulate how continuously blown away I am by this next generation of change makers. I am fueled and hopeful to witness how the future of the American Theatre will be shifted by their greatness. I celebrate them all with my full heart."
- DOUGLAS LYONS, TDC ARTIST IN RESIDENCE and NWI CO-FOUNDER
MEET NWI CYCLE 4 (2025):
Cycle 4 winners include Hattie McDaniel award winner, Aamar-Malik Culbreth (Baldwin Wallace University), Lorraine Hansberry Award winner, Mo Holmes (Columbia University School of the Arts), Spike Lee award winner, Tramaine Raphael Gray (California Institute of the Arts) and Black Excellence award winner, Davon Williams ( David Geffen School of Drama, Yale University).
JOIN US IN THIS EFFORT:
100% of the the donations directly funds our scholarships, awards, grants, outreach programs and operational costs. Your support today finances an artist's dream tomorrow. For more information, please reach out to nextwave@directorscompany.org.
The Directors Company thanks Sony Music Group for its support to the Next Wave Initiative.
THE AWARDS + SCHOLARSHIPS:
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The Lorraine Hansberry Writing Scholarship
A scholarship payment of $1,959 honoring 1959, the year Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first African-American playwright to debut on Broadway with A Raisin in The Sun. This scholarship is granted to a promising artist pursuing a career in Literature, Creative writing, Theatre or Screenplay writing.
The Spike Lee Directing Scholarship
A scholarship payment of $1,986 honoring 1986, the year Spike Lee made his directorial debut with She's Gotta Have It. This scholarship is granted to a promising artist pursuing a collegiate education in direction for stage or screen.
The Hattie McDaniel Acting Scholarship
A scholarship payment of $1,940 honoring 1940, the year Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar award for her performance in Gone with The Wind. This scholarship is granted to an actor/actress pursuing theatre or film acting on the collegiate level.
The Alvin Ailey Dance Scholarship
A scholarship payment of $1,958 honoring 1958, the year Ailey founded his Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This scholarship is granted to an artist pursuing dance on the collegiate level.
The Black Excellence Impact Award
A prize of $1,000 awarded to a collegiate artist who's used their art to impact their community.
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PAST RECIPIENTS:
The 2023/2024 Next Wave Initiative Scholarship Recipients:
Hattie McDaniel award
Jaylon Muchison
Black Excellence Award
Tia Smith
Spike Lee Award
Madison Gilmore
Lorraine Hansberry Award (tie)
Kamren Henderson and Nia Akilah Robinson (tied for the Lorraine Hansberry award).
The 2021/202 Next Wave Initiative Scholarship Recipients:
THE SPIKE LEE DIRECTING AWARD
Taj Kokayi (George Mason University, Film & Video Studies major, Class of 2022)
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THE ALVIN AILEY DANCE AWARD
Isio-Maya Nuwere (NYU Tisch School of the Arts, BFA Dance, Class of 2022)
THE LORRAINE HANSBERRY WRITING AWARD
Shantez Tolbut (St. Francis College, MFA Creative Writing, Class of
THE HATTIE MCDANIEL ACTING AWARD
Mohera Beason (Florida State University, Acting, Class of 2024)
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE IMPACT AWARD
Alyse James (University of the Arts/Pig Iron, MFA Devised Performance, Class of 2023)
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THE SPIKE LEE DIRECTING AWARD
Ifeyinwa Arinze (NYU, MFA in Film Production, Class of 2022)
THE ALVIN AILEY DANCE AWARD
Quashierra Muhammad (Montclair State University, B.F.A. Dance Major, Class of 2021)
THE LORRAINE HANSBERRY WRITING AWARD
Sally Dean (George Mason University, Creative Writing, Class of 2023)
THE HATTIE MCDANIEL ACTING AWARD
Omolade Wey (UNC-Chapel Hill, MFA Acting, Class of 2022)
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE IMPACT AWARD
Ural Grant (MFA in Acting at Michigan State University. Class of 2024)
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