WTP New Play Development Apprenticeship

 Those interested in diving deep into professional new play dramaturgy, playwriting, arts administration, new play incubation and more – are invited to apply. WTP encourages Global Majority/BIPOC artists to submit. The mission of this apprenticeship is to support new play artists in all aspects of their career and aspirations. This is not a trade for work or services. Apprentices will:

  • Work closely with staff and board to find your home in the organization
  • Be offered free access to our 5-6 Master Classes and 2-4 Master Chats per year, including the innovative WTP Dramaturgy Intensive
  • Tailor your apprenticeship experience to uplift your artistic and career goals
  • Engage in WTP programs and be compensated for your time as a hired artist
  • Receive invites to all aspects of the organization, including board meetings
  • Create an apprentice project and be supported by WTP with a budget, a collective of WTP artists and mentorship to support your process (this is not required)

Those interested in becoming a WTP Apprentice should send a resume and a brief artistic statement about your interest in new play development and how WTP can support you as an artist to Amber Bradshaw (managing@workingtitleplaywrights.com). Please title your email submission “WTP New Play Development Apprenticeship”. The recipient of the WTP Apprenticeship will be announced before the June 30th Membership Drive and will begin their apprenticeship on July 1st. The deadline for applying next year is April 2023.

8BCCEE80-48D7-4702-A244-9B40477A9B7E_1_105_cAntonia LaChé McCain, 2021-2022 WTP Apprentice

“Being given the opportunity to be an Apprentice for Working Title Playwrights has been such a gift. This Apprenticeship was personalized for my career needs and goals. I was welcomed by everyone in the organization. The past Apprentices have been supremely positive and supportive. Amber is a gracious and generous mentor. They created a positive atmosphere for feedback. The “Amber Check-ins” are the best! I am able to talk with them about project ideas, world events, skills that I wish to develop, and so much more. I loved my experience so much that I will be joining Working Title’s Board of Directors next year just because I want to stay involved. Thank you, WTP! I am grateful every day to you!” 

Hernandez_Headshot_2Quinn Xavier Hernandez, Inaugural 2019-2020 WTP Apprentice

“Not many spaces allow artists, especially young artists, to actively craft their professional development alongside their mentors. WTP’s apprentice isn’t locked into a set schedule of a producing house’s season or time constraints. This allows the New Play Development Apprenticeship to easily adapt to the needs of each individual apprentice. It’s truly a blessing and a unique opportunity in Atlanta.”

2019-2020 Apprentice: Quinn Xavier Hernandez; 2020-2021 Apprentice: David Quang Pham; 2021-2022 Apprentice: Antonia LaChe’ McCain; 2022-2023 Apprentice: Luke Evans; 2023-2024 Apprentice: Julia Byrne.

80B81489-D58A-44DB-849F-C719BDCB3745_1_105_cRosalind Ayres-Williams Memorial Scholarship for Black Playwrights 

Launched in 2018, Working Title Playwrights is grateful to be able to honor past WTP member Rosalind Ayres-Williams through this Memorial Scholarship, funded through an anonymous donor.

The Scholarship will be awarded on a two year cycle, for ten years. The deadline for 2024-2026 Scholarship applications is April 30, 2024.

As one of the recipients of the Rosalind Ayres-Williams Scholarship for Black playwrights, I discovered a place where my voice was authentically embraced. My time with WTP has been an absolute game changer.
                     -Avery Sharpe, Playwright, Actor

2023-2025 Recipient: Anterior Leverett; 2022-2024 Recipient: Marcus Scott

Rosalind Ayres-Williams: 1949-2017

“Roz was a great believer of WTP’s mission and appreciated the organization’s commitment to inclusion and diversity,” says Patrick Cuccaro, “The scholarship is a fitting way to honor Roz and extend her legacy of looking out for others, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked.”

Roz died on Christmas Eve, 2017, at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. Along with her skill as a writer, Roz was known for her generous spirit.

“Roz was a friend” says WTP Managing Artistic Director, Amber Bradshaw. “Her presence at WTP events is missed. I am grateful we have the opportunity to honor her with this scholarship”.

2F4CD933-8273-408A-A853-03329ECF5AC3The BARBARA MOLETTE Scholarship 

Founded in 2022 by WTP Member Carlton Molette to honor his wife of 59 years.

This new annual scholarship, beginning in 2022, will fund an annual WTP membership for an artist who self-identifies as Black (and/or African-American) and Femme (and/or female). In addition to a free membership, the recipient receives mentorship, access to all of WTP’s programs, and the opportunity to develop and achieve custom-designed artistic goals.

ABOUT BARBARA MOLETTE (she/her) (B.A. Florida A&M.; M.F.A. Florida State; Ph.D. Missouri) theatre and motion picture actress, costume and makeup designer, director, and playwright died on March 9, 2017. Professor Emerita and former English Department Chair, Eastern Connecticut State University; Director of Arts-in-Education Programs, City of Baltimore; professor at Spelman College and Texas Southern University, Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, Baltimore City Community College.

Barbara loved mentoring young theatre workers. She did not do “pep talks.” Instead, she quietly conveyed the belief that “You have what it takes to accomplish your goals– if you are willing to do the work.”

Most of her books, scholarly articles, and more than twenty plays were collaborations with her husband Carlton Molette, Ph.D. They were joint recipients of Atlanta Black Theatre Festival’s Legend award, Black Theatre Network’s Lifetime Membership Award, and National Black Theatre Festival’s Living Legend Award. When she retired and returned to Atlanta where she and Carlton met and where their children were born, she quickly recognized that WTP was doing important work and was happy to become a part of it.

Barbara was a member of WTP for many years before she passed away. We will miss her and are grateful to honor her for everything she has contributed to theatre, education, mentorship and artistry.

2023-2024 Recipient: Esther Gatemba; 2022-2023 Recipient: Kelundra Smith