In partnership with Broadway Advocacy Coalition, the program has selected 10 theater students for the next cohort.
Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC) and Broadway Stage Manager and Producer Cody Renard Richard announce the 10 recipients of the 2023 class of The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program. The program is dedicated to uplifting and supporting the next generation of theatermakers of color working behind the scenes by providing financial support, mentorship and more to BIPOC students studying to be the future leaders of the theater industry.
This year’s recipients include Sam Allen (University of California, Irvine), Héctor Alvarez (California Institute of the Arts), Isaiah Boozer (DePaul University), Kairo Chin (University of California, Santa Cruz), Talia Escobedo (Columbia University), J.D. Hopper (Carnegie Mellon University), Caylah Johnson (DePaul University), Anaya Matthews (The New School), Xotchil Musser (Carnegie Mellon University), Adam Wassilchalk (Yale College).
Each student will receive a financial grant of $10,000 (increased from last year’s $8,000 grant), mentorship through online seminars focusing on community building, leadership, and social justice, networking opportunities and an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to meet with mentors and experience Broadway and New York’s theater scene in person.
“It’s wild to believe that we are embarking on our third year of the program” says Richard. “Each year I’m reminded of how powerful these young individuals are and how much spaces like these are needed. I’m beyond eager to learn from, share space and help this new cohort along their journey.”
“This year we will continue to connect our scholars with theatrical and community leaders of color, cultivate their leadership and advocacy skills and encourage them to be change agents in their own communities and within the industry,” said Broadway Advocacy Coalition’s Co Director of Programming Dria Brown. “It takes a village to make this happen and we are grateful for Cody’s continued commitment to this incredible vision.”
The program is made possible by the generous support of the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation as well as The Miranda Family Fund, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Jujamcyn Theaters, Tiger Baron Foundation, Stacey Mindich, The Theater Leadership Project, Kevin McCollum, Tommy Kail, Junkyard Dogs, Jenny Steingart, and Jill Furman. The Seller Lehrer Family Foundation serves as lead sponsor for the program. This year’s selection committee featured prominent BIPOC theatrical professionals including Richard, Lawrence Bennett, Jhanaë Bonnick, Dria Brown, Yang-Yang Chen, Ann James, Zhailon Levingston, Tina McCartney, Laurie Woolery, and Nzinga Williams. Lani Fu serves as the program manager.
Further information from The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program: crrscholarship.com.
