Freedom Train Productions is now accepting applications into its Residency for Black Playwrights until January 18th, 2008 (DEADLINE EXTENSION). Founded by the awarding of a Social Justice Fellowship from NYU Wagner and Open Society Institute to Artistic Director Andre Lancaster, Freedom Train seeks playwrights whose work responds to the political realities of our times.

To this end, the playwright are commissioned to write a new play that centers a Black LGBT character in a story that tackles provocative themes around - for example - war, police brutality and state violence, women's rights, religious tolerance, capitalism, disease, the prison industrial complex, democracy, freedom, hip hop and culture, family, and love etc.

In its second year, Freedom Train focuses on the early development of new theatre work. They do not currently stage full productions, but instead commission and promote new work to producing theatre companies and the public at Fire! New Play Festival every summer. Their goals are to increase the number of new political plays with Black LGBT characters that are produced in New York City as well as change the public perception around what kinds of characters can carry political stories that universally affect everyone.

For more information, please download the updated announcement at their website.... here