THE YORK THEATRE OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 MICKI GRANT ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Applications available starting Monday, June 15 - July 6, 2026
NEW YORK, NY (June 10, 2026) — The York Theatre today announced that applications for the 2026 Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence Program open on Monday, June 15, 2026, and close on Monday, July 6, 2026. This year's residency is designed for emerging directors with a passion for musical theatre and a strong artistic voice. https://www.yorktheatre.org/micki-grant-artist-in-residence
Named in honor of groundbreaking actor, composer, lyricist, playwright, director and York Honorary Board Member the Micki Grant Artist-in-Residence program supports artists from historically underrepresented communities through mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience within an Off-Broadway theatre.
The selected resident will serve as a Directing Observer on The York Theatre's upcoming Mainstage production of Truly, Howard Hughes, with rehearsals beginning in August and performances running September through October 2026. The resident will also direct a special 50th Anniversary concert of the landmark Broadway musical Vinnette Carroll’s Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, that Micki wrote additional music and lyrics for, work directly with York staff and artistic leadership, attend workshops on grant-writing, fundraising, and navigating theatrical unions, and receive an invitation to The York's Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala. The selected resident receives a $3,500 stipend.
The 2026 selection committee includes Daryl Walker, representative of The Micki Grant Estate; director/choreographer Kenny Ingram; inaugural resident Dahlak Brathwaite; and York Theatre staff members Joseph Hayward, Wendy Hall, Stephanie Prugh, and Tatiana Montes.
An official statement from the Micki Grant Estate: "We remain 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 continues to inspire, and we are thrilled that her legacy and artistic spirit lives on through this residency at The York."
Brathwaite, the program's inaugural 2025 resident, is an award-winning playwright, 2026 Drama Desk Award nominee, composer, director, and performer whose work has been presented at BAM, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo, and on HBO. His musical adaptation of Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down premiered at Olney Theater Center, where it broke box-office records. A Princess Grace Award winner, Brathwaite holds a degree from NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.
Micki Grant broke barriers as the first woman to write and star in a Broadway musical, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, which earned multiple Tony nominations and a Grammy win. She was also the first African American contract player on a daytime serial, appearing as Peggy Nolan on NBC's Another World. Her advocacy for representation in the theatre industry continues to shape the field she helped define.
The residency cycle runs for three months. Prospective candidates will be invited to interview following the application period.
For questions, contact residency@yorktheatre.org. Applications and additional information are available at yorktheatre.org.
THE YORK THEATRE, “Where Musicals Come to Life,” 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 approach to producing both original and classic musicals has earned 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 47 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.
The York is the recipient of an Emmy Nomination, a special Drama Desk Award for “Developing and Producing New Musicals,” and a special Outer Critics Circle Award for “50 Years of Producing New and Classic Musicals.” Most recently, Stephanie Jae Park received a Lortel Nomination for her performance in The York’s Monte Cristo. The York is currently producing at The Theatre at St. Jean’s at 76th Street and Lexington Avenue.
www.yorktheatre.org | www.facebook.com/yorktheatrecompany
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