Century Cycle Continues
Honoring the Legacy of Black American Storytelling
The Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition, presented in the spirit of August Wilson's celebrated ten-play cycle, is a tribute to the enduring tradition of Black American storytelling on stage. Conceived and hosted by Academy Award-nominee and Governor's School alumnus Danielle Brooks, this event challenges the next generation of performers to breathe life into the words of contemporary and classic Black playwrights, proving that while the cycle may be complete, the narrative is still being written.
Competition
Participants will submit a video of a 1-2 minute monologue by any prominent Black playwright. Ten students will be chosen from the video submission to compete in the final competition, held at SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities on February 28, 2026
Annie Edge Scholarship
For Governor's School Students
The Annie Edge scholarship will be awarded to one senior attending the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities that delivers the best contemporary monologue from a play written by a black playwright. Three students will be chosen to compete live on February 28 for the grand prize of $5000. Submit your video by January 3, 2026. (SCGSAH faculty will not be judging any part of the competition.)
Academy Award nominee Danielle Brooks is an acclaimed Broadway, film and TV actor, best known for her roles in "Orange is the New Black", "The Color Purple", "A Minecraft Movie," "Peacemaker" and "Instant Dream Home." She is a Grammy winner (2017), a Screen Actors Guild winner (2015-2017), a Tony Award nominee (2016), a Primetime Emmy nominee (2021), and an Academy Award nominee (2024).
Danielle is a 2007 graduate of the Governor's School's Drama Department. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Juilliard School.
(Photo by Foster Lew)