Deadline: November 1, 2024
Please submit monologues to: tjackson@bartertheatre.com
2-3 monologues will be selected to be read at our 4th annual SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories in February 2025. SHINE is an annual evening of storytelling that explores the Black experience in Appalachia, curated by Barter’s Black Stories Black Voices. Using prompts derived from our local Black community and Appalachian region, Black playwrights from across the country can submit original monologues to be performed and directed by our artists. SHINE always provides an unforgettable experience to our audiences.
Playwrights of selected monologues will receive travel/housing to the Shine event and a cash prize of $300.
Playwright must identify as Black.
Monologues must be set in Appalachia.
Monologues must be 3-5 minutes in length.
Monologues must be unpublished and not have had a professional production.
Monologues must be submitted electronically.
Monologues must be written using selected prompts:
1. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Write a monologue where a young Black student or teacher in Appalachia prepares for their first day at a new school. Maybe it’s an all-white school? Maybe it’s a historically Black school? Maybe they were forced because a parent moved for a new job or because of integration? Explore their hopes, fears, and aspirations for the school year and how they plan to navigate their new environment.
2. MENTORSHIP
Craft a monologue from the point of view of an older mentor or teacher who has successfully navigated the educational system in Appalachia. Focus on the advice given, the mentor's personal anecdotes, and the student's reactions and dreams for their future. This teacher's encouragement and belief in the student's potential has the power to transform their outlook on education and life in Appalachia.
3. COLLEGE DREAMS
Develop a monologue where a Black Appalachian student faces significant challenges in their pursuit of higher education, such as financial difficulties, lack of resources, or discrimination. Highlight their resilience and the hope they find through community support and personal determination. How they long to stay connected to their Appalachian roots while pursing higher education.
4. KATHERINE GOEBEL JOHNSON | CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Long before she was the mathematical genius behind Alan Shepherd’s space launch, Katherine Goebel taught French and music at the segregated Carnegie school in Marion, VA. A West Virginia native who changed how we see the
world – literally. Compose a monologue from her perspective, or from the viewpoint of someone who interacted with her—a classmate, perhaps—or someone who was inspired by her in some way.
5. JEWEL H. BELL | CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
She’s known as the Jewel in King’s crown, and for good reason – Jewel Bell served with King University in Bristol, TN for seven straight decades. Known as Ma Bell, GG, Gran, or simply the Queen of King, Jewel retired from King in September 2022 at the age of 93 – but will forever be considered part of the President’s team. Write a monologue inspired by Mrs. Bell and her time at King University.
You can find out more information about BSBV and view the selected prompts, towards the bottom of the page: https://bartertheatre.com/black-stories-black-voices/