4:20 Black Space Monologues

Project Description

Influenced by a model established by CPT Executive Director, Shaun Neblett and Young Playwrights Inc, the 4:20 Black Space Monologues was a playwriting competition that served as a mechanism to center, engage and empower Black writers to create dramatic works that different communities of Black people could relate to and find merit in.

Writers were welcomed to enter the national competition by creating and submitting a monologue in which a character smokes cannabis and envisions their ultimate, perfect Black Space. In the monologue we hear why the Black Space the character envisions is something they long for.⁣

Writers ranged in age, gender, sexual identity, and levels of writing experience.

A judging panel of 6 BIPOC artists reviewed and discussed all submissions.

All writers received feedback from judges on their submissions

8 of the monologues were selected to receive financial award and live presentation in Brooklyn, NY at Bed-Stuy Art House.

The presentation of the 8 monologues at Bed-Stuy Art House was an exceptional night of theater because it attracted a full-house of theatergoers and non-theater goers from different communities of Black people, who all related to and found merit in the presented monologues.

PROJECT Guiding Questions

  • How can CPT develop a mechanism that inspires Black writers to create dramatic works different identifying and communities of Black people can relate to and find merit in?

  • Can a cannabis inspired prompt destigmatize the bias nature of the American Theater so that novice, emerging and experienced Black writers would feel welcomed to create and submit a monologue?

  • Can a contest such as this one attract writers and audiences who are not traditionally welcomed or solicited to participate by the American Theater?

PROJECT Resources

Email office@bedstuyarthouse for any of the following resources.

  • Entry Form

  • Monologue Writing 101 Tool

  • Judge Panel

  • Budget

Project Time Line

Phase 1 : Conception

NOVEMBER 2020 - FEBRUARY 2021

  • Idea was conceived by CPT Executive Director Shaun Neblett for application to the Black Seed Grant, with particular focus on creating an annual playwriting competition for HBCU students and alumni.

  • Project idea was discussed and received feedback from Black Theater Mechanics, a collective of Independent Black theater founders and producers that are leading the charge to co-create Black theater as a force for social change.

  • Funding was received from Black Seed Grant and the Play Contest could move forward.

Phase 2: THE Playwriting Contest

MARCH 2021 - AUGUST 2021

  • Prompt was posted on Instagram, sponsored ads on Instagram, and email blasts

  • Received 28 submissions from writers from across America, including HBCU writers, Black writers, LGBTQ Writers, and first-time writers.

  • 50% of plays were selected to be discussed as winning plays. Plays disqualified were incomplete or didn’t follow guidelines.

  • A judging committee of 5 artists was assembled to select winning plays through the following process.

    • Meet on Zoom

    • Read monologues out loud together. (In order to ensure the judging committee honestly had time to read all of the monologues)

    • Talk about each monologue after reading it

    • Identify which plays should be split into the following categories:

      • Gold Circle- $100 + Presentation of Monologue

      • Silver Circle- $25+ Presentation of Monologue

      • Bronze Circle- $25+ Presentation of Monologue

      • Honorable Mention- Letter with suggestions for improvement

  • Payments were made to all people involved in Phase 1

    • Winning writers

    • Promo Designer

    • Judging Committee

Phase 3: Production & POST PRODUCTION

FEBRUARY 2022 - APRIL 2022

  • 8 pieces were selected to be presented.

  • 4 directors cast pieces with actors in their circle and actors located on Backstage

  • Pieces were realized at Bed-Stuy Art House. Most memorized and presented off-book.

  • Full House attended show.

  • 2 writers were present for live presentations.

  • All payments werte made

  • Review by Director of Theater Programs @ Bed-Stuy Art House and Directors of Monologues

Project Outcomes

  • 28 pieces were received

  • 4 of 8 winning writers were of LGBTQ community

  • 4 of 8 winning writers were written by HBCU students or alumni

  • Writers from final were located from New York, Virginia, Florida, Chicago and Detroit

  • 50 audience members from New York attended the presentation of the monologues

Project Feedback (WRITERS)

What are some challenges, if any, that you encounter in writing and/or getting your work produced?

  • Finding paid opportunities for people with little writing experience

  • When I wrote this monologue, I was stressed finishing up my last final for undergrad. I was overwhelmed and I needed to take a break. Since, we were doing online school, I couldn’t hotbox with my friends like I would if we were on campus. So, I decided to write about a typical hotbox session of me with my friends. It brought peace to me. I was able to accomplish both tasks. :)

How did participation in this contest help to support your growth as a playwright?

  • Allowed me to become More comfortable discussing blackness in a conversation, colloquial way

  • That sometimes validation goes along away, especially when it comes from your own.

  • When I was sent a dm about this contest, I was little hesitant because I never entered a contest like this before. Seeing the results of this competition made me realize I have the potential to do anything I set my mind to. Im currently inspired to write and create more.

  • This contest boosted my confidence as a writer.

  •  As a playwright I grew because this was my first time entering work. It helped me feel encouraged and confident in my writing.

What other support/services would help to improve your writing?

  • Workshops, I would really appreciate being a part of a larger community of black writers so we can share ideas and learn from each other. Also mentorship, I am a new writer and having someone with more experience to aid in my growth would also be helpful.

What were your key take aways from your participation in the contest?

  • Creating workshops for contests like this would go along way for people especially me.

  • Have fun with the process and use the resources available

  • Stop limiting myself 2. Stop doubting myself 3. Become more well-rounded in the arts!

  • One of my key take aways that I should believe in my talent. I should always try things that go beyond limiting character beliefs.

Did you use the Monologue Writing Aide on Burn Theater's Website to help write you monologue?

  • 4 of 8 winning writers used the Monologue Writing Tool .

*Responses taken from Survey conducted with winning writers, facilitated by L&G Research & Evaluation Consulting

Project Media