AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE COMPETITION

Buffalo Region

3rd Annual Buffalo Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition was held on 

Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Buffalo State College Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center.  The contest serves as the entry to the National August Wilson Competition held in New York City every year during the month of May.

Buffalo Public Schools proud Sponsor

3rd Annual Buffalo Regional AWMC

Important Dates

AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE COMPETITION
Buffalo Region
3rd Annual Buffalo Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition was held on 

Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Buffalo State College Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center.  The contest serves as the entry to the National August Wilson Competition held in New York City every year during the month of May.

2020 Buffalo Regional Winners Myles W. Soules (1st),  Flyod Slaugther(2nd) and Laree Livingston (3rd) 

The inspiration for the competition was sparked by two of August Wilson’s closest living collaborators, Kenny Leon and Todd Kreidler. Kenny worked closely with August directing each play from the Century Cycle either on Broadway or at regional theatres, while True Colors Associate Artistic Director Todd was Dramaturge for Wilson’s last play and Director of his one-man show.

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“The goal of the competition is to help garner partnerships with communities, schools and theaters across the United States, and to create educational materials about August Wilson that allow students to connect these important theatre works with educational curricula like history, social studies and literature,” said Kreidler. “This monologue competition offers students of all races the opportunity to inhabit the lives and speak the words of these vital, lively characters.”

Congratulations

Students!!

2019 Buffalo Regional Winners Katara Willis (1st),  Nora Collins (2nd) and Mickale Gilliam (3rd) 

Buffalo Public Schools Proud Sponsor

In School Competition Deadline

January, 13, 2020

Buffalo Semi Finals

January 18, 2020 

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Buffalo Regional Finals

Buffalo State Performing Arts Center

Rockwell Hall

Saturday, February 8, 2020 - Noon

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Application Deadline

January 13, 2020

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National Finals

May 4, 2020 (Depart Sat. May 2 and Return Tuesday, May 5)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Send an inquiry about participating during

the 2020 – 2021 academic year to 

 
 

If you have questions, please contact the Artistic Director at 716-884-2013 ext.103

2018 Buffalo Regional Winners

Windy Wingo (1st),Nia Morse (2nd) and Katara Willis  (3rd) 

In the competition, students perform monologues from the 10-play Century Cycle. Wilson’s Century Cycle is a singular achievement in American theater that chronicles the 20th century African-American experience. At the plays’ core are these lyrical monologues that take the song, laughter, pain, and rich content of African American life and place it in the mouths of the greatest ensemble of characters written since Shakespeare.

The competition is designed to help students of all backgrounds connect with a significant part of American history, explore African American culture, and gain theatre and performance skills. As Leon advises participants each year, “Keep August alive and well among your generation. You are the next generation of Wilsonian Soldiers.” We are particularly pleased with the diversity of the young people and their willingness to cross boundaries including taking on characters of other races and genders. These young people understand that August is a “playwright for all”.

Students will choose one monologue from August Wilson’s Century Cycle between 1-3 minutes in length. Students will have the opportunity to hone their monologues in workshops with teaching artist held at Paul Robeson Theatre on weekends in addition to training with teachers and coaches after school.  

A panel of judges will choose two regional finalists to win an all-expense paid trip to New York City which includes sight seeing, shopping, Broadway Shows, networking opportunities with students from the other participating cities and a workshop with a celebrity guest for the national finals weekend. The regional first, second, and third place winners will receive a $500, $250 and $100 scholarship respectively. 

To date the following cities participate as Regional host Cities and all convene in May for the National Competition: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Greensboro, Los Angeles, New Haven, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland and Seattle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please contact the Artistic Director at 716-884-2013 ext.103