The 2024 Application Process
Each applicant is allowed ONE application. In an effort to be fully transparent about our process, we are happy to share the information below:
TIMELINE
Application Window Opens: August 14, 2023
Application Due Date: October 2, 2023
Finalists Notified: December 2023
Decisions Announced: March 2024
2024 Spring Conference: May 22-June 2, 2024
REVIEW PROCESS
The review process will consist of three rounds and final interviews. The first two rounds will progressively narrow the applicant pool down to a set of ~20 finalists. Approximately 20 paid readers will be recruited to review applications for rounds 1-2, and a select group of approx. 8 reviewers will review finalists applications and select and interview final candidates. There is no application fee and all reviewers will be paid for their time, effort, and expertise. Additionally, Finalists selected for virtual interviews will be paid a $20 stipend to compensate for the additional time required. The identities of the panelists will remain anonymous until the selection process has been completed, at which time their names will be shared publicly.
ROUND 1
Each reader will review 20-25 applications including the artist statement, 10-page writing sample, and plans for the 2024 conference. Additionally, panelists will review the CV/Bio/Resumé, and will provide a “Yes” or “No” response. In this round, each application will be reviewed by one panelist, and we anticipate that 25% of all applications will advance to round 2.
ROUND 2
***NHP alumni are automatically advanced to Round 2***
Groups of 3-4 panelists will each review 20-25 applications, specifically, including the artist statement, 10-page writing sample, and plans for the 2024 conference. Additionally, panelists will review the CV/Bio/Resumé, and will collectively work to advance a small number of applications to the final round. In this round, each application will be reviewed by 3-4 panelists, and we anticipate 10% of round 2 applications will advance to the final round.
FINAL ROUND
Two small panels of reviewers will evaluate a group of 8-10 final applications each, including full scripts/representative work samples. Each panel will then select 5-7 artists for zoom interviews with senior staff and make final recommendations as to who should be invited to participate in the 2024 conference.
FINAL DECISIONS
The selection panels will make recommendations based on their reviews to:
Jenni Werner, Executive Artistic Director
Phaedra Michelle Scott, Resident Dramaturg
Final decisions will be made by this small group and will factor in panelist recommendations, commitments to becoming a more just, equitable, and antiracist institution, and budget. We anticipate selecting 8-12 applicants for participation in the 2024 conference.
PANEL DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Each panel will be predominantly comprised of individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. At no point shall cis-gendered white males comprise a majority.