SYLVIA SPRINKLE-HAMLIN
ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE

The 2026 Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award will facilitate rolling world premieres for the winning play at regional Black theatres.

The 2024 winner, Blooming In Dry Season by Eljon Wardally, was awarded productions at NC Black Rep and will move to Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre in New York City for a six-week run, May 22-June 28, 2026. The play’s rolling world premiere will conclude with performances at the 2026 International Black Theatre Festival, July 27-Aug.1, 2026, in Winston-Salem. 

The award was created to discover and develop new Black theatre classics, while promoting collaboration between Black theatre companies across the country. It is named in honor of IBTF Executive Producer Emeritus, Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin.

2026 Submissions are now open!