UJAMAA BLACK THEATER NYC
2026 ACTING FELLOWSHIP
The UJAMAA Black Theater Acting Fellowship is a performance-based training program designed to develop emerging actors through theater, storytelling, vocal performance, and stage production. Rooted in cultural expression and community storytelling, fellows receive hands-on training in acting technique, character development, movement, and live performance while preparing for a culminating theatrical showcase inspired by the Harlem Renaissance: The Gospel of the Harlem Renaissance
SCHEDULE
The UJAMAA Black Theater Acting Fellowship is an immersive theater training experience combining acting, storytelling, movement, vocal performance, and live production preparation. Fellows will work collaboratively toward a culminating performance during Harlem Week on August 1, 2026.
AUDITION SCHEDULE:
If selected for an Audition you must bring a 1-3 Minute Monologue
In person Audition: OPERA America's National Opera Center
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Virtual: Monday, May 18 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
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Virtual: Wednesday, May 20 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
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In person: Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Virtual: Wednesday, May 27 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Callbacks Begin)
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In person: Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Final Auditions)
Final Callback In person:
Monday, June 1 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Final Callbacks + Casting Decisions)
2026 REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Phase I: Onboarding + Foundations
June 3 – June 13, 2026
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Virtual: Wednesday, June 3 | 5:00 PM –7:00 PM
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Cast Welcome + Fellowship Expectations
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In person: Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Table Read + Script Breakdown
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Virtual: Wednesday, June 10 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Character Assignments
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In person: Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Voice, Movement, and Ensemble Training
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Phase II: Scene Work + Character Development
June 17 – June 27, 2026
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Virtual: Wednesday, June 17 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Virtual: Wednesday, June 24 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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In person: Saturday, June 27 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Focus Areas: Scene-by-scene blocking, Character development, Relationship building, Memorization practice, and Gospel, jazz, and spoken word integration
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Phase III: Run Throughs + Performance Integration
July 1 – July 11, 2026
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Virtual: Wednesday, July 1 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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In person: Saturday, July 4 | No Rehearsal Holiday
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Virtual: Wednesday, July 8 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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In person: Saturday, July 11 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Focus Areas: First full production run & Video Recording for Audition Tapes
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Phase IV: Rehearsal Intensives
July 15 – July 25, 2026
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Virtual: Wednesday, July 15 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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In-person: Saturday, July 18 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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Virtual: Wednesday, July 22 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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In-person: Saturday, July 25 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Focus Areas Full production rehearsals and Costume and prop integration
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Phase V: Tech Week + Dress Rehearsals
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July 27 – July 31, 2026
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Virtual: Monday, July 27 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Online Check-in Rehearsal
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Virtual: Wednesday, July 29 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dress Rehearsal
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In person: Friday, July 31 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Final Run Through + Cast Reflection
Opening Night
Saturday, August 1, 2026
The fellowship culminates in a live theatrical showcase presented during Harlem Week, celebrating storytelling, artistic expression, and community through performance.