In May, the National Black Theatre opened submissions for its next Soul Producing Residency - a program that provides artists of color the opportunity to gain real time experience in theatrical producing. In addition, this prestigious residency includes a stipend, administrative support, tickets to a number of theatre productions in New York and two complimentary tickets to National Black Theatre productions. At the end of the residency, the program culminates in a one-day event, produced by the resident with the guidance of the National Black Theatre artistic director and staff. Deadline for submission is July 1 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, including how to apply, visit nationalblacktheatre.org.

The Broadway Podcast Network and Eva Price, the Tony Award-winning producer for shows like Oklahoma and Dear Evan Hansen, have launched a brand-new series for podcast fans. Titled “My First Show,” the episodes feature your favorite entertainment stars including Jesse Tyler Fergeson, Ali Stroker, Cynthia Nixon and more. In a personal conversation with each guest, Eva poses questions about their “firsts” in theatre, like the first show they saw, the first show they were in, and their first professional show.

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Striving to be better advocates, Starlight wants to use our theatre platform to share diverse voices. We recently offered students with a connection to Starlight’s community engagement programs the opportunity to share what they are feeling through a filmed performance at Starlight. Our first performer is Lauren Howard, a Lee’s Summit native and 2017 Vincent Legacy Scholar who will enter her senior year at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan this fall. Lauren chose to share a powerful song by British singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé, titled “Read All About It (pt. III).” To see her performance, visit Starlight’s Facebook page, and be on the lookout for more from these talented students soon.