THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARTISTS OF COLOR WILL BE OPEN FROM AUGUST 1ST-AUGUST 22ND.


This scholarship is available to any BIPOC artists who wish to get more involved in the education and artistic community at The Neo-Futurists by joining the AOC Scholar cohort of fiscal year 2025 (September 2024- August 2025). Applications will be open from August 1st – August 22nd.
This scholarship includes:
  • An award of full tuition ($300) to an Intro or Level 2 Class for Writing & Performing the 2-Minute Play and an additional travel/props stipend ($50)
  • A complimentary ticket to any and all Neo-Futurist shows throughout the year
  • AOC Scholar Nights with the rest of the cohort and Neo-Futurist ensemble members and staff at The Infinite Wrench
  • Opportunities to connect with other AOC scholars

For any questions on classes, the scholarship, or for more information about our 8-week Intro to Writing & Performing the 2-Minute Play, email Education Lead Abby Pajakowski at education@neofuturists.org. 

 

Plus, keep reading this letter from former student and scholarship recipient (and former Managing Director of The Neo-Futurists) Jorge Silva, about his experience taking a class. 

 

 

I applied for the scholarship at a time where my interest in the Neo-Futurists had peaked, but I was facing a rather challenging period in my personal life where dedicating a substantial amount of my income towards an arts class seemed near impossible. At the time, I was working as a tamalero on 18th street, 60 hours a week with little to no time to explore a full career as an artist.

Once awarded the scholarship and enrolled, the class reignited a passion that I had long lost – the desire to create free of judgment and in a structured enough fashion that energized the writing without a sense of preciousness. The experimental nature of the company’s aesthetic encouraged innovation and individualism and with the support of the dedicated ensemble/instructors, I was free to invest in work that was ultimately my own.

Already frustrated by the lack of inclusion onstage and behind the scenes, creating work through the introductory class at the Neos also realized a personal mission: that I did not have to wait for someone else to present the opportunity to tell my story of Latinidad, rather, I could be that harbinger.

 

-Jorge Silva

Former AOC Scholar and Managing Director

The Neo-Futurists

Unapologetically Bolivian

a play written for Writing & Performing the Two-Minute Play, by Jorge Silva

 

“I ‘Fink You Freaky” by Die Antwoord plays, Jorge stands at center stage with back to the audience. The ensemble dresses him in an alpaca poncho. He turns and walks downstage, the music stops and says…

 

Jorge: I once knew a guinea pig named ‘Almuerzo.’

 

Music resumes, someone throws him a cob of corn and takes a bite before dropping it like a mic.

 

Next.

 

 

Scholarships are available for most classes. Limits may apply to when a scholarship can be used based on timing. Contact education@neofuturists.org for inquiries.

 

Payment Plans and Work Study

If you want to take a class but your financial situation is a barrier, please contact us to discuss your options, including payment plans and work study opportunities.


Abby Pajakowski
Education Lead Coordinator
education@neofuturists.org