NEW YORK CITY: The National Queer Theater and the Dramatists Guild have announced the New Visions Fellowship for Black trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) artists. Two early-career Black TGNC playwrights will be paired with mentors and participate in professional development sessions to develop a play, musical, or performance experience.

“Black trans and gender nonconforming writers have been marginalized in American theatre, and in society at large,” said Adam Odsess-Rubin, artistic director of the National Queer Theater, in a statement. “The New Visions Fellowship aims to support trans writers while fostering positive representation for trans people through the arts.”

Those who are selected for the one year fellowship will receive an award of $5,000, as well as a three year complimentary membership to the Dramatists Guild and a reading of their work at the end of the program. Fellows will also have access to contracts, business advice, and career services from Dramatists Guild to help fellows protect the artistic and economic integrity of their work.

“The overall goal of the Dramatists Guild is to end the exploitation of the American dramatist in the American theatre,” said Guild managing director Emmanuel Wilson in a statement. “Providing professional development to the fellows of New Visions is a continuation of our 100 year mission.”

Playwright Roger Q. Mason will serve as primary mentor to the fellows in the inaugural year, while Tony Award-winning writer Lisa Kron and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright will lead masterclasses.

Black TGNC artists are encouraged to apply for the fellowship through March 5.