The York Theatre Announces "Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program" - Spring 2025 Applications Open Today
Last Edit: Official_Press_Release 04:37 pm EST 02/03/25
Posted by: Official_Press_Release 04:33 pm EST 02/03/25

IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

THE YORK THEATRE
ANNOUNCES
"THE MICKI GRANT ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM"

PAID OPPORTUNITIES FOR EARLY-CAREER BIPOC THEATRE MAKERS

SPRING 2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN TODAY

New York, NY (February 3, 2025) – In celebration of Black History Month, The York Theatre (Joseph Hayward, Interim Artistic Director; Marie Grace LaFerrara, Executive Director) is pleased to announce The Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program which 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 from communities historically underrepresented in American theatre. In Spring 2025, the program will be open to lyricists, composers, and playwrights. Future residencies will be open to artists of other disciplines. Through this initiative, The York Theatre will amplify voices that reflect the full richness of our society and support artists whose perspectives often go unheard.

An official statement from the Micki Grant Estate: "We are deeply honored to celebrate the legacy of Micki, whose creative genius and remarkable success left an indelible mark on so many. She was not only a visionary but also a gracious and approachable mentor, always willing to lend her support to those who sought her guidance. Her impact will continue to inspire, and we are thrilled that her legacy and artistic spirit will live on through this residency at The York."

Joseph Hayward, The York's Interim Artistic Director, had this to say: "The York Theatre is immensely proud to launch The Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program , honoring Micki's extraordinary legacy and her longtime friendship with The York. Our 2016 Musicals in Mufti production of Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope was an unforgettable experience, made even more special by Micki's involvement. She changed the lives of countless artists, and through this program, we are committed to doing the same. We extend our gratitude to York's Interim Associate Artistic Director, Debra Walton, and the estate of Micki Grant for making this program possible. We look forward to welcoming and supporting our artists-in-residence."

The Program

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 Spring 2025 residency, open to lyricists, composers, and playwrights, concludes with an opportunity for each artist to showcase their work in a final presentation with The York's Interim Artistic Director Joseph Hayward, Interim 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

Each residency cycle lasts three months, aligning with The York Theatre's production schedule. Resident artists will become integral members of The York Theatre's creative and administrative community during this time.

Please note, this program is currently only available to artists in the tri-state area. We are not able to offer housing or transportation at this time.

Spring 2025:

Applications open on Monday, February 3, 2025

Applications close on March 3, 2025

Chosen candidate will be notified in early March

Residency cycle runs March 17, 2025 to June 17, 2025

Applications for Fall 2025 will open on June 1.

To Apply:

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

Submission Requirements:

• Resume

• Personal Statement (500-700 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.

BIOS

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. She 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.

The York Theatre is the only theatre in New York City—and one of very few in the world—dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving notable shows from the past. For over five decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Since 1997, The York has focused on new musicals in its Mainstage Series—most of them world, American, or New York premieres—by some of the field's most esteemed creators and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 45 cast recordings from York Theatre productions are now available, including its acclaimed revival of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival). Commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and Jolson & Company, and revivals of Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd (four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of The York and its programs.

Recent York productions have included Welcome to the Big Dipper, A Sign of the Times (New World Stages), The Jerusalem Syndrome, Vanities—The Musical, Hoagy Carmichael's Stardust Road, Penelope: or How the Odyssey Was Really Written, Cheek to Cheek: Irving Berlin in Hollywood, A Taste of Things to Come, Marry Harry, and Rothschild & Sons. The critically acclaimed musical Yank! received its Off-Broadway debut at The York, and subsequently to rave reviews in London—as did York's Rothschild & Sons. The hit musical Cagney received its York premiere in 2015, transferring to the Westside Theatre for over 15 months. In 2017, Desperate Measures received a total of 15 award nominations (and three wins) that included Best Musical from the Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Off-Broadway Alliance and subsequently transferred across town to New World Stages. The York is the recipient of a special Drama Desk Award for "Developing and Producing New Musicals," a special Outer Critics Circle Award for "50 Years of Producing New and Classic Musicals." Due to a flood in their longtime home at Saint Peter's Church in January 2021, The York is currently producing at The Theatre at St. Jean's at 76th Street and Lexington Avenue.

For additional information, please visit www.yorktheatre.org .

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