Tulsa teens shine at Apollo Theater during national monologue finals

Two Tulsa high school students took center stage at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater as national finalists in the Next Narrative Monologue Competition.

Shawnna’lee Davis and Chiedza Mahuni, both selected after a competitive local showcase, represented Tulsa in the national finals on Sunday, May 5. Their journey was part of a broader effort by the Tulsa Performing Arts Center to elevate youth voices through theater, representation, and mentorship.

Mahuni, a senior at Union High School, earned second place in the national competition. She described the moment as “surreal,” adding: "I literally had to pinch myself five times to see if I was dreaming or not."

Tulsa's first year in the national spotlight

This was the first time the Tulsa Performing Arts Center hosted the Next Narrative Monologue Competition. Organized by Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre Company, NNMC is a nationwide contest inviting high schoolers to perform monologues by acclaimed Black playwrights.

Tulsa’s journey began in February with a workshop led by teaching artist Jade Mia Lambert, followed by a three-day intensive with local coaches. The process culminated in a live showcase at the Tulsa PAC in March, where Davis and Mahuni were selected to represent the region.

What the competition offers young artists

NNMC isn’t just about performance — it’s a launchpad. Students in the program receive professional mentorship, participate in master classes, and gain national exposure.

TPAC CEO Mark Frie said the program reflects the organization’s broader goals: "My goal for programs such as this is to provide people from the Tulsa area with opportunities in the arts that they might not otherwise have."

Frie added that Mahuni’s success shows the potential of Tulsa’s young performers on a national level.

A rising star and a history of achievement

This isn’t Mahuni’s first spotlight moment. In 2024, she won the “I Have A Dream” oratorical contest, another platform celebrating youth voice and expression.

Her continued success underscores the impact of local investment in youth arts and the importance of diverse representation in theater.

Looking ahead

With its first year now in the books, the TPAC plans to continue offering the Next Narrative Monologue Competition annually, aiming to grow the program and its outreach.

TPAC said it best: "This was not just a competition — it was the beginning of a new chapter in youth arts education, equity, and excellence in Tulsa."