NEW YORK: The Vineyard Theatre has announced Reggie D. White as the second recipient of the Colman Domingo Award. Seeded in 2019 from the longtime collaboration between the Vineyard Theatre and Domingo, an actor, playwright, director, and producer, the award is given to a multifaceted Black male or male-identifying theatre artist to provide support and resources to create new work. Each recipient is selected by the Vineyard and Domingo and receives a cash stipend, workshops, access to writing and studio space, mentorship, and the ongoing support of the Vineyard. York Walker received the inaugural award in 2021.
Reggie D. White is a New York-based multidisciplinary theatremaker and educator. Last year he co-conceived and appeared in Vineyard’s virtual piece Lessons in Survival, named among the Best Theatre of 2020 by The New York Times. His play In Case You Haven’t Heard premiered virtually this year at Bay Street Theater.
“It has been my hope to support the next generation of multi-hyphenate theatre artists in some impactful way,” said Domingo in a statement. “Not only by mentorship, but with a financial award. I knew that this was a perfect partnership with Vineyard Theatre, which has been a New York home for me for over 10 years. They helped me flex my artistic muscles as an actor and playwright with my productions of A Boy and His Soul and Dot. They were the cheerleader who helped me see that I had something to offer The Scottsboro Boys, for which I am eternally grateful. I was so honored that they chose to honor my body of work at the 2019 gala. I wanted to give a gift back in return. To create an award for an African American man who could use the hand, access and support that the Vineyard and I could provide. I’ve watched Reggie blossom into an artist of true conviction and grace. He is a born leader and innovator. I look forward to seeing what he creates next.”
Said White in a statement, “For his entire career, Colman has shattered convention, laughed at limitations, and created art that stands the test of time—as an actor, writer, and as a director. And as a young artist who also started his career in the SF Bay Area, Colman was the prototype of what was possible for a Black gay man who fully stepped into his power and embraced every corner of his identity and his passions. He continues to demonstrate that there is rich worth in our bodies, our unknowable complexity, our love, our heartbreak, and our joy. And that no one has the right to dictate to us what is ‘beyond our grasp’ or ‘not in our lane.’” He added, “I’m honored to have the Vineyard’s support of my voice as a writer and direction in addition to my work as an actor.”
The 2021 Colman Domingo Award is made possible through the generosity of Joe and Mary Ann Allen.
