As APAP marks its 70th anniversary, we invite performing arts professionals to submit first-person stories as part of our “Welcoming the New, Becoming the Next” storytelling initiative that highlight moments of innovation or transformation in the field.
Tell us about an initiative you launched, a cross-sector partnership you led, or a bold change in practice you championed that signals where the field is headed. If you are selected, we will help you develop that story and guide you.
Story Guidelines
1. Share with us the crux of your story idea, focusing on a specific, concrete example of your work – This should not be a pitch.
2. Connect that story idea to one of APAP’s 70th Anniversary impact pillars:
- Arts & Health: Partnering with healthcare systems and providers to broaden performing arts programming and impact
- Arts & Workforce Development: Activating career pathways in the performing arts and extending arts training across sectors
- Arts & Civic Trust: Advancing non-partisan, cross-community, trust-building through the performing arts
- Arts & Tech: Using technology to significantly innovate in any aspect of presenting, performing, producing, or supporting the work of the performing arts
3. Want to see an example? We love PBS NewsHour's “Brief, But Spectacular” model. Here are some relevant examples to help you imagine what your story could look like. (Story 1, Story 2, Story 3 – A group example, Story 4 – An artist example)
Selection Process
1. Up to eight “Welcoming the New, Becoming the Next” storytellers will be selected to work with a storytelling coach and record their story. Each will receive a $500 honorarium to subsidize costs associated with recording and free registration to the APAP|NYC 2027 conference*.
2. Selection will prioritize diversity of voices, including geography, discipline, career stage, and ideas.
3. Applications open March 17, 2026. Deadline to submit your story idea is April 30, 2026. Participants will be notified by May 29, 2026.
*APAP membership required to register.
If you are selected:
1. You will attend a session with a storytelling coach who can help you refine your story.
2. We'll ask you to record yourself on video or have someone record you. We will give you guidance on how to get the best results.
3. We'll request from you photos and (if available) video footage to help illustrate your story.
4. We'll ask for your consent for us to edit and distribute your story on APAP's YouTube channel, on social media, and at the conference itself.
Thanks for your interest in telling the stories of the performing arts! To apply, complete the form below.