National Black Theatre Selected 2026 SOUL Series LAB Artists
The New York City organization has announced five residents for its upcoming artistic development program.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in African-American
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The National Black Theatre has named five artists to its 2026 SOUL Series LAB cohort. These residents will participate in multi-month programs designed to foster new work in playwriting, directing, and producing.
Why it matters
The program provides essential development resources for Black artists to create new works. This initiative builds on the theatre's long-standing mission to support creators through intentional financial and professional investment.
The residency includes 18-month terms for three playwrights and one director, while the producing resident completes a 10-month term. In addition, 19 artists received 24 development opportunities through the Keep SOUL Alive Development Series.
The players
National Black Theatre
Established in 1968, this New York City institution is dedicated to the creation of transformative Black theatre.
Dr. Barbara Ann Teer
She was the founder of the National Black Theatre who established the organization to celebrate Black culture and artistry.
Abigail C. Onwunali
She is a playwright selected for the 2026 SOUL Playwright Residency.
Raz Golden
He is the artist selected to serve as the 2026 SOUL Directing Resident.
Pier Lamia Porter
She is the artist selected to serve as the 2026 SOUL Producing Resident.
The details
The SOUL Series LAB residencies provide structured development paths for Abigail C. Onwunali, McKensie Scy Pascall, Washington Kirk, Raz Golden, and Pier Lamia Porter. Beyond these core residencies, the Keep SOUL Alive Development Series offers one-day virtual readings and in-person workshops to support a broader range of artistic talent.
Timeline
Dr. Barbara Ann Teer established the National Black Theatre in 1968.
The SOUL Playwright Residency was first launched in 2012.
The 2026 SOUL Series LAB residents officially start their terms in 2026.
Roadmap
This program reflects a broader trend of institutional commitment to long-term creative development rather than short-term project funding. It positions the National Black Theatre as a primary incubator for talent within the contemporary American theatrical landscape.
Local audiences can expect to see the fruits of these residencies through future workshops and staged readings hosted by the National Black Theatre in New York City. These initiatives provide the community with ongoing access to developing works from emerging voices in theatre.
The takeaway
Supporting artists through multi-year residencies ensures that new creative works have the time and resources to fully mature. Aspiring artists should track these development series as they offer insights into the rigorous processes behind professional theatrical production.
Further reading
Learn more about the history and mission of the African-American artistic community in New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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