The York Theatre Launches Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program

In celebration of Black History Month, The York Theatre has announced 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.

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